Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has taken steps to combat illegal gambling around the state, according to a WIAT local news report.
The Attorney General acted following a raid that confiscated more than 200 gaming machines from six bingo halls in Selma. Marshall said several residents contacted him with complaints regarding suspected illegal activity. Marshall told local news that he and law enforcement are ready to respond when the need arises.
“Gambling is illegal in Alabama, and law enforcement has a role in being able to shut that down”
“We wouldn’t want to speak to any pending investigation that we have but do know that we’re prepared to act when we’re able to be able to determine that there is unlawful activity and be able to move to get the appropriate orders.”
Currently, Alabama as no legal gambling markets. However, the topic of welcoming legal gambling statewide is not off the table. State legislation recently ended its latest session without voting on expanded gambling. The Senate was to consider a bill that would legalize a state lottery, slot machines and video poker.
Lawmakers reached a stalemate on the most recent legal gambling bill after a push to advance the bill fell short by one vote in an earlier session. A passing vote would have allowed Alabama players access to in-person sports betting, as well as to online sports wagering platforms. The bill would have also set up a state lottery and would authorize up to 10 casino locations with slot machines and table games.
