It doesn’t get any more American than the right to vote. It’s a basic freedom we enjoy, or at least we should be able to enjoy.
The gambling issue in the state of Alabama is one of such magnitude that it’s time the people of this state should be given the opportunity to make the decision whether or not gambling should or should not be legalized.
If the people vote “no,” then close casinos for good. No argument.
If the people vote “yes,” then members of the illegal gambling task force may need to look for other assignments.
But Tuesday, members of a Senate committee approved an electronic bingo bill that would allow casinos to operate — under regulation and taxation. Part of the legislation, however, allows gambling facilities but puts a cap on 10 designated locations.
Allowing the people to vote is one thing. We’re all for such a referendum. But going down this slippery slope of 10 casinos is another.
The 10 locations in the legislation are: the Mobile County greyhound track; Country Crossing in Dothan; two locations in White Hall, which already has one electronic bingo hall; VictoryLand in Shorter; Greenetrack in Eutaw; the Jefferson County dog track; and one location each in the 4th, 5th and 6th congressional districts in north Alabama to be chosen by a state gaming commission.
Who’s to say where the casinos on those three districts will be built? Who’s to say one of the original locations wouldn’t be closed in order for a newer operation to open elsewhere? These prospects reek with the potential for political favors and the continuation of backdoor dealings which have become the hallmark of Alabama politics.
While this may limit Alabama to 10 casinos, it creates 10 very powerful centers. These 10 sites could immediately become huge political forces. They will have access to tons of cash, looking to promote their own interests through lobbyists in the Legislature.
Either let’s have legal gambling, or let’s not have legal gambling. This happy medium smells of potential corruption.
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