I am sure by now, for those of you who live in Alabama, you are aware of the Bingo Bill passing through the Statehouse. In one summary sentence, the bill sets up a gambling commission to regulate and enforce gambling laws in the state.
That sounds reasonable, on the front end, doesn’t it? Yet in actuality it is a constitutional amendment establishing a “bingo monopoly” in eight counties and one town around the state. If passed, the bill would open the floodgate to gambling across Alabama. Worse, the people of Alabama would lose their state to the high-stakes gambling interests and lobbyists.
Thankfully Alabama’s governor, Bob Riley, is against the amendment. As a result, the governor has formed a task force on illegal gambling. Thank God for Governor Riley.
As you might expect, an Alabama Baptist Convention organization, the Alabama Citizens Action Program, led by Executive Director, Joe Godfrey, is also leading the charge in the battle.
The television commercials supporting the bill are convincing. Just this week several familiar Country and Western entertainers in one advertisement encouraged Alabamians to support the bill. In another advertisement the announcer suggests people vote “yes” to a Bingo Gambling Commission.
The ads promise stricter control of bingo gambling. Additional revenue would go toward our school systems. Alabama will prosper. It is time for the people of Alabama to decide. Again, the commercials are persuasive.
The words sound credible, but there is an underlying message of deceit. The groups promoting these bills do not want to restrict gambling in Alabama; they want to unleash it.
In years past the people of Alabama have voted down lottery. And for that I AM PROUD. I am opposed to any form of gambling - casino, bingo, or lottery – you name it.
Opposition to gambling can be fought on many levels: morality, social, family, caring for the poor, and Biblical.
If we believe legalizing this will help us, then go west across the state line and ask the dear people of Mississippi.
If you want to see the ad that "tells the truth" about this gambling, click here.
The following statement came today from ALCAP:
The “Sweet Home Alabama” ads are paid for by the gambling bosses that want you to believe that the only way to get rid of illegal gambling in Alabama is to legalize it! That’s ridiculous! The way to get rid of illegal gambling in Alabama is to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who are bringing addictive slot machines into our state. The Governor’s Anti-Gambling Task Force, under the leadership of former Jefferson County District Attorney, David Barber, is actively raiding illegal bingo/slot facilities throughout the state. The goal is to get a case to the Alabama Supreme Court where we hope these bingo/slots will be ruled illegal, settling the debate once-for-all. Let’s give the Governor’s Task Force time to get rid of these machines! Call your legislators (representative and senator) and tell him/her to vote NO to all gambling bills that would define bingo as a game played on electronic machines!—HB676 (and the corresponding SB471) and HB363 (and the corresponding SB135).
If you want to see the ad that "tells the truth" about this gambling, click here.
The following statement came today from ALCAP:
The “Sweet Home Alabama” ads are paid for by the gambling bosses that want you to believe that the only way to get rid of illegal gambling in Alabama is to legalize it! That’s ridiculous! The way to get rid of illegal gambling in Alabama is to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who are bringing addictive slot machines into our state. The Governor’s Anti-Gambling Task Force, under the leadership of former Jefferson County District Attorney, David Barber, is actively raiding illegal bingo/slot facilities throughout the state. The goal is to get a case to the Alabama Supreme Court where we hope these bingo/slots will be ruled illegal, settling the debate once-for-all. Let’s give the Governor’s Task Force time to get rid of these machines! Call your legislators (representative and senator) and tell him/her to vote NO to all gambling bills that would define bingo as a game played on electronic machines!—HB676 (and the corresponding SB471) and HB363 (and the corresponding SB135).
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