Gambling
Conservative Alabama Lawmakers Talk Gambling and Taxes
Alabama is a conservative state where political and religious rhetoric will sometimes mix in the halls of the statehouse. As a result, vices, such as gambling, don't usually get favorable treatment in public policy. But the more than $280 million dollar shortfall in Alabama's General Fund budget has lawmakers uttering the words casino, lottery, and even taxes. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the political turnabout and a bill that would give Jefferson County lawmakers millions of dollars to dole out at their own discretion.
Alabama Lawmaker Says He Could Introduce Gambling Bill As Soon As Next Week
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh says he might introduce legislation allowing casinos and a state lottery as soon as next week. It’s the latest move by Republicans to cover the states $250 million dollar General Fund budget deficit. We’ll hear more on this from Don Dailey. He’s the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television, and he joins WBHM on Fridays to recap the week at the statehouse.
Casinos, Lottery Possible Fix For Alabama’s General Fund Budget Crisis?
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh told lawmakers on Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation legalizing some forms of gambling. Marsh said this could be the state's solution to the $250 million budget shortfall. We here more on this from Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for al.com and The Birmingham News.
Alabama’s Gambling Corruption Trial
This summer nine defendants including Alabama casino owner Milton McGregor go on trial. They're accused of buying and selling votes around a pro-gambling bill in the state legislature. The case draws on hours of secretly recorded wiretaps and promises to reveal the underside of wheeling and dealing in Montgomery. WBHM's Andrew Yeager will follow the month's long case and offers updates of the unfolding action.
Election 2010: Governor’s Race and Gambling
Next week, Alabamians head to the polls for this year's mid-term elections. Voters will select congressmen, state legislators, and a new governor. This morning on WBHM, we kick off Election 2010 - a week long look at some of the key races and issues on the ballot.
Bingo Bill Investigation
Alabama lawmakers are being extra careful what they say and do after federal investigators revealed they're looking into corruption around a gambling bill. This bill and the issue of electronic bingo have already created a firestorm as WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Electronic Bingo Showdown
There's a new development in the showdown between Alabama Governor Bob Riley and the state's casino owners over electronic bingo machines. A judge will conduct a hearing next week on issues surrounding the closed Country Crossing casino in Dothan. Part of the debate is whether electronic bingo machines are allowed under state law. Riley says they're illegal slot machines. Casino owners insist they are perfectly legal. The face-off has prompted early morning raids of some high profile casinos. And as WBHM's Andrew Yeager report, many other operations have shutdown to avoid such a clash.
