Alabama’s Crackdown on Illegal Gambling- Attorney General Targets Selma Operations
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has initiated stringent actions against illegal gambling operations in Selma, securing temporary restraining orders against five gambling halls, a move underscoring the state’s firm stance against unlawful gaming activities.
On Friday, Attorney General Marshall‘s office filed for temporary restraining orders (TROs) targeting facilities known to engage in illegal gambling activities. These include Joker 777 on East Highland Avenue, Mini Bingo on Dallas Avenue, Selma Charity Bingo on Highway 14 East, Selma Bingo on Hickory Road, and Lucky Duck on Highway 80 West. Dallas County Circuit Judge Don McMillan approved these orders the following Monday.
With these restraining orders now in effect, the implicated facilities are required to halt all operations immediately. Furthermore, they are prohibited from conducting any financial transactions related to their operations until further directives are issued by the Circuit Court of Dallas County.
Comprehensive Raids and Investigations
In conjunction with the restraining orders, Attorney General Marshall also executed six search warrants at these facilities as part of an extensive criminal investigation, according to AL.com. An additional warrant was carried out at an undisclosed location on Lewis Street. The searches led to the discovery of illegal gambling devices, including 24 slot machines found at the Mini Bingo location.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office collaborated with Marshall in these investigations, demonstrating a unified effort to clamp down on illegal gambling operations.
The Legal Context and Community Impact
During a press conference, Attorney General Steve Marshall reiterated the illegality of gambling in Alabama, stating: “These facilities are operating with complete disregard to Alabama law. I applaud Dallas County Sheriff (Mike) Granthum’s dedication to combat this blight, and willingness to invite our team to assist in addressing these criminal enterprises.”
The Attorney General has been vocal about his commitment to eradicating illegal gambling statewide. This commitment was evident as he addressed a recent operation involving the raid of six bingo halls in Selma, where over 200 gaming machines and firearms were seized. The operations highlighted ongoing community concerns, prompting investigations and enforcement actions.
Understanding Alabama’s Gambling Laws
Attorney Matt McDonald, a legal expert from Mobile, provided clarity on Alabama’s gambling laws, explaining to WRBL News 3 that the Alabama Constitution only permits traditional forms of bingo. Electronic forms are strictly prohibited, except under local constitutional amendments in certain counties like Macon County.
“The traditional form of bingo would require someone to have a card, to have a call or call out the numbers,” McDonald explained. “Then you place a ‘P’ or a token on a card.” Despite the clarity of the law, many bingo halls have emerged in economically declining areas, often with the tacit approval of local law enforcement, even contrary to the advice of the Attorney General’s office.