FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
April 15, 2014
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Claire Haynes (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE, SHERIFF HALE ANNOUNCE
COURT VICTORY IN ELECTRONIC BINGO CASE
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange and Jefferson County
Sheriff Mike Hale today announced a decisive ruling in a Jefferson County case
involving so-called “electronic bingo.” Circuit Judge David Hobdy issued a final ruling
yesterday afternoon that was the culmination of a joint law enforcement effort by the
offices of Sheriff Hale and Attorney General Strange.
Law enforcement officers seized more than 500 illegal slot machines and
gambling devices and $69,240.25 in cash proceeds from the Anchor Club casino in
Brighton, AL, in 2011. The Judge ordered the machines destroyed and the seized monies
forfeited pursuant to state law. Today’s decision came after prosecutors from Attorney
General Strange’s Office presented evidence in Jefferson County Circuit Court.
“Today’s decision from Judge Hobdy marks a good day for the rule of law. The
Court held that the so-called ‘electronic bingo’ machines were in fact illegal slot
machines,” said Attorney General Strange. “Since taking office, I have said that I will
resolve the debate over electronic bingo in the courts. Today, another court has spoken
and I hope this ruling will serve as a warning for those contemplating operating slot
machines in Jefferson County and throughout the State.”
Sheriff Hale said, “We appreciate very much the assistance and support we have
gotten from the Attorney General’s Office under Luther Strange’s leadership. I hope this
proper ruling in regard to illegal electronic gambling will send the message loud and
clear that the laws of the State of Alabama do not allow this illegal activity and the laws
in regard to this or any other illegal enterprise are going to be enforced, not sometimes
but every time.”
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
