"Sweet Home Alabama" Bill Gets Killed in the Alabama State Legislature

On Wednesday, March 3, 2010 the supporters of electronic bingo in Alabama took a blow when the Alabama legislature refused to allow a full debate on a constitutional amendment that would have allowed e-bingo to be legal in ten locations around the state. The Sweet Home Alabama plan was rejected by a senate vote of 18-16. According to the Mobile Press Register, the bill's sponsor, Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said he believed the issue was over. Bedford was outraged and criticized those who voted against the bill for denying Alabamians the right to vote.
(See previous article www.associatedcontent.com/article/2722913/bingo_in_bamathey_aint_puttin_dibs.htm for more information regarding alabama and the gambling war)
Bedford's bill was criticized in return for pandering to special interest groups who would have gotten 7 of the 10 available licenses, leaving only three open for bid. Those who would have received preferential treatment already have casinos ready to open including those currently closed to prevent the Governor's Task force from raiding them. Some of the state senators who voted against Sweet Home Alabama said they would consider another bill which did not give special consideration to specific private parties.

None of this wrangling affects the Indian run bingo and casino gambling which is currently open on tribal lands in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka.

By Friday Sen. Hank Sanders, D-Selma, had filed /senate Bill 507 which, if approved, would empower the Legislature to pass regular law to authorize, tax and regulate electronic or computerized bingo around the state with no restrictions on how that would be accomplished. This law would not require an amendment to the constitution and, would require a simple majority of those voting in the house and senate and would not face a voter referendum.

Several other senators presented alternative proposals including a new State Gaming Commission.

An article appearing in the Birmingham News by Russell Hubbard has revealed that Country Crossing, a 375 acres venue now closed in Houston County was financed by issuing $21 million in tax-free bonds to investors. The future of those bonds is now uncertain. In total more the $100 has already been invested in Country Crossing according to attorney Jim Parker of Birmingham. Country Crossing, only one of several currently closed venues, has laid off 230 workers and closed its casino, recreational park and bed and breakfast lodge.