Buses and security patrol cars blocked the main entrance to VictoryLand Thursday night and into Friday morning as the only overnight activity at the Macon County gaming facility proved to be suspense and a cold rain.
Late Thursday afternoon, the Alabama Supreme Court voted 7-2 to lift a temporary retraining order at VictoryLand, which would allow Gov. Bob Riley's gaming task force the opportunity to raid the facility when it needed. Apparently, all that stands in their way is a legal search warrant, Task Force leader John Tyson's command to say "go," and four-to-six VictoryLand security officers manning the front gates.
"Victoryland remains closed and anyone coming onto the property without a search warrant will be considered a trespasser," VictoryLand attorney Peter C. Tepley said Thursday. "This is fair warning to John Tyson that entering private property without a search warrant is illegal."
VictoryLand shut down in its entirety Thursday afternoon. The gates were blocked in an effort to keep anyone from reaching the casino parking lot. Still, as of 7 a.m., there were no signs of state police.
Patrons continued to roll toward the casino, only to be turned away at the gates. Many were not aware of the casino's controversy.
As the sun rose and the rain began to trickle away, guards rotated shifts. There was an atmosphere of anticipation, but also an atmosphere of uncertainty.
"Small guys are suffering while big guys are squabbling," one guard told Opelika-Auburn News photographer Cliff Williams.
Check back to oanow.com for further updates.
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