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Those opposed the bringing slot machines to Alabama
have something to celebrate now that the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled
against video sweepstakes gaming. Across the state many bars have been
operating these video sweepstakes, but now the court has ruled that they are
in fact slot machines—and slot machines are illegal in the state. There is
however some debate concerning this latest ruling—many say that the justices
voted against the slot machines because of their personal opinions on the
matter rather than just the facts and law in the case.
Previously, the machines came under attack as slot machines—but at the
Jefferson County Circuit court level, the judges ruled the machines were not
slot machines. That ruling didn’t stand for long though as the opponents
pursued the issue—and this includes Christian Action Alabama (CAA) and
Alabama’s Governor Bob Riley. Both spoke out against the machines. According
to John Giles, President of CAA, “we maintained from day one the sweepstakes
gambling operations were unconstitutional and illegal.”
And the Governor went so far as to file a briefing to the Supreme Court:
“These so-called sweepstakes machines are nothing more than dressed-up slot
machines. It is time we rid Alabama of these illegal gambling operations,
and I’m very pleased the Supreme Court agrees.”
Those who support the machines though claim this latest ruling could have an
extremely negative effect on the income and employment at establishments
that currently use the video sweepstakes machines. And though those
supporting the machines wanted three of the judges recused because of their
vocal anti-slot machine sentiments, the judges remain firm that the ruling
stands—especially since it won 8-0—so the three judges would not have
changed the vote.
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