Thank God for Governor Riley on Bingo (Montgomery, Huntsville: lease, how much)
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I personally frequent the Miss. Casinos a few times a year and dont really gamble much each time (under $100) but I do hit the buffets each time and catch 1 or 2 shows a year (Beau Rivage mostly). In any event, what people fail to understand is how much money casino operators can make off gambling machines. Those owners and developers have so much potential payoff from each machine, that they cant allow some governor to "mess with their perfect world" thus why they have become childish and are spending MILLIONS of dollars to go after our governor and state lawmakers. This in itself has completely turned me off on EVER going to one of their establishments.
For me, I too am for a vote but for NOT allowing a monopoly to just 10 areas of the state which in itself is blatantly obvious that special interests are all thats running this "bill". The governor is carrying a very big stick now and using it a bit over the top but he has no other choice when PEOPLE REFUSE TO OBEY THE LAW. Without law and enforcement of such laws, there would be chaos. And for that, I applaud the governor as its clear these developers and owners are trying to test our legal system's boundaries. And when it gets to such out of control measures being taken by owners that they feel they can do "what they want", then what other choice does Gov. Riley have?
Country Crossing was the worst when they blatantly lied saying Bingo wasn't going to become the main source of revenue from that development, and it was going to pay out large amounts to charity. But as time went on, the developer backed off those statements, and it just became another get rich casino hall. Had they been upfront about it, we wouldnt be where we are now.
I do feel bad for the people without a job, but the developers are the ones who brought it upon themselves. They gambled on gambling and lost bigtime. The sad state is these developments are the first to fall off during economic downturns, and the last to recover as they all succeed or die by the amount of DISPOSABLE INCOME that will be spent. And as we all know, we are all cutting back and not spending as much anymore.
Well, I may be on soft ground, but a little revenue for the education systems would be a good thing. I kind of wonder why the individual communities don't come up with some kind of raffle program, or something that opperates in a similar fashion, so that the schools can raise money to put on what they need. I may also wonder why local businesses don't do more to support our public schools.
Democratic Party candidate for Governor Congressman Artur Davis chided Democrat candidate for Governor Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks the other day for his support for gambling. Davis told Sparks that gambling is not a panacea and that it would only raise about $150 million per year. Compare that to the education budget of about $5.7 billion. That's less than 3% - not even enough to overcome the pro-ration this year - and the $150 million from gambling does not come without its own costs.
Raffles are legal, but don't raise much money - band trips, football, etc.
In Huntsville, local businesses do quite a bit to support schools - but it's their choice whether or not to allow employees time-off, or how much financial support they provide (after all - this money comes right out of profits - and profits are what funds (for example) teacher retirement plans' investments - no profit, no retirement check).
Here's the thing. I am pretty much convinced that less government is better government. Personally, if somebody wants to gamble, buy sex toys, purchase Jim Beam on Sunday morning at 7 a.m., smoke dope, swap wives, get a hooker, or marry someone of the same gender, then it's really not the state's damned business. Or mine.
For the record, I am too cheap to gamble, my sex life with my wife is smokin' hot, I don't like hard liquor, and am a faithful husband. What's more, any of the items above are pretty much against my own moral and ethical views. But, once again, it's not the state's damned business. I always wonder at people who get up and arms against the government getting into their own lives, but are really quick to pull the trigger when somebody else is doing something they don't like.
But the law is the law. If it's against the law to have gambling machines in the state of Alabama, then why did these dumbasses buy and install the cotton picking things? And if you want Alabama to have a bunch of casinos, then go through channels and get a referendum passed.
Until then, shut up already. We as a state have much more important things to worry about.
Here's the thing. I am pretty much convinced that less government is better government. Personally, if somebody wants to gamble, buy sex toys, purchase Jim Beam on Sunday morning at 7 a.m., smoke dope, swap wives, get a hooker, or marry someone of the same gender, then it's really not the state's damned business. Or mine.
For the record, I am too cheap to gamble, my sex life with my wife is smokin' hot, I don't like hard liquor, and am a faithful husband. What's more, any of the items above are pretty much against my own moral and ethical views. But, once again, it's not the state's damned business. I always wonder at people who get up and arms against the government getting into their own lives, but are really quick to pull the trigger when somebody else is doing something they don't like.
But the law is the law. If it's against the law to have gambling machines in the state of Alabama, then why did these dumbasses buy and install the cotton picking things? And if you want Alabama to have a bunch of casinos, then go through channels and get a referendum passed.
Until then, shut up already. We as a state have much more important things to worry about.
Good try, Mimp. But the state constitutional amendments are pretty clear. Let's use the one on Macon County as an example:
Bingo Games in Macon County.
The operation of bingo games for prizes or money by nonprofit organizations for charitable, educational, or other lawful purposes shall be legal in Macon County. The sheriff shall promulgate rules and regulations for the licensing and operation of bingo games within the county. The sheriff shall insure compliance pursuant to any rule or regulation and the following requirements:
(1) No person under the age of 19 years shall be permitted to play any game or games of bingo, nor shall any person under the age of 19 years be permitted to conduct or assist in the operation of any game of bingo.
(2) No bingo license shall be issued to any nonprofit organization, unless the organization shall have been in existence for at least three years in the county immediately prior to the issuance of the permit or license.
(3) Bingo games may be operated on the premises owned or leased by the nonprofit organization operating the bingo game.
(4) A nonprofit organization may enter into a contract with any individual, firm, association, or corporation to have the individual or entity operate bingo games or concessions on behalf of the nonprofit organization. A nonprofit organization may pay consulting fees to any individual or entity for any services performed in relation to the operation or conduct of a bingo game.
(5) A nonprofit organization may lend its name or allow its identity to be used by another person or entity in the operating or advertising of a bingo game in which the nonprofit organization is not directly and solely operating the bingo game.
(6) Prizes given by any nonprofit organization for the playing of bingo games shall not exceed the cash amount or gifts of equivalent value set by rule or regulation during any bingo session during any calendar week.
So, unless Milton McGregor is operating a non-profit, there's no grounds for your argument.
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that these slot machines are not electronic bingo - and are therefore illegal. They also ruled that the local amendments allowing bingo do not allow slot machines. I'm sure that the State will close down Greene County bingo next then shut down the three Creek casinos.
Personally, I think that the State should allow Class III gaming (slots, table games), open the State to operators like Harrah's and MGM Mirage, tax and regulate gaming, and pass a lottery. Until then, the law should be enforced.
Hustlers like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson must smell some money for them to get involved. How in the world is gambling a race issue?
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that these slot machines are not electronic bingo - and are therefore illegal. They also ruled that the local amendments allowing bingo do not allow slot machines. I'm sure that the State will close down Greene County bingo next then shut down the three Creek casinos.
Personally, I think that the State should allow Class III gaming (slots, table games), open the State to operators like Harrah's and MGM Mirage, tax and regulate gaming, and pass a lottery. Until then, the law should be enforced.
Hustlers like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson must smell some money for them to get involved. How in the world is gambling a race issue?
Beats the heck out of me. However, on Creek land, I'm not sure the state has a leg to stand on.
I think that by Federal law the Creeks can have up to Class II gaming (which includes electronic bingo but not slots which are Class III) without State interference. The 'electronic bingo' machines are illegal slot machines, because they fail the AL Supreme Court 'six-part bingo test' (because it's not bingo - the player has no interaction during the game). The Creeks can also have whatever gaming is allowed in the State (currently dog tracks) - so the State must shut down the other slot machines before they can shut down the Creek casinos.
I think that by Federal law the Creeks can have up to Class II gaming (which includes electronic bingo but not slots which are Class III) without State interference. The 'electronic bingo' machines are illegal slot machines, because they fail the AL Supreme Court 'six-part bingo test' (because it's not bingo - the player has no interaction during the game). The Creeks can also have whatever gaming is allowed in the State (currently dog tracks) - so the State must shut down the other slot machines before they can shut down the Creek casinos.
Perhaps so, but the lines of authority get a little fuzzier at this level, for it brings Federal as well as State law into play. Personally, were I the governor, I'd go after the low-hanging fruit and call it a day.
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