Victoryland, Country Crossing raided by governor's task force

[Foxrac]

SHORTER & DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - Governor Riley's illegal gambling task force organized gambling raids on two big entertainment centers in Central and South Alabama early Friday morning.

State troopers moved onto the property of Victoryland Gaming Center and demanded that all non-employees collect their winnings and exit the facility.

Our news reporter Bethany Wales was able to speak with a couple of gamers who were asked to leave the premises. "It was scary," said one person. "I don't know what's going on. I got out."

"Victoryland has been around for a lot of years, and it has helped Macon County out," said another.

Victoryland workers are expected to report to work as usual.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, as if something was about to happen. About a dozen moving trucks moved in front of the premises, but later parked in a nearby parking lot.

Victoryland attorney Fred Gray and the chief of the Task Force, John Tyson, were in a meeting with a judge all morning. Victoryland managed to get a temporary restraining order signed against the task force. A hearing is scheduled for next Friday.

Governor Bob Riley and the president of Victoryland, Milton McGregor, have been at odds all week. McGregor hired a private investigator to follow the former chief of the governor's task force, David Barber. Barber has since resigned after admitting to winning $2,300 at a Mississippi casino.

The scene was much calmer at Country Crossing. The building was chained and locked around 12:00am. State troopers are still waiting outside the facility for orders to raid.

Months ago the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that "the definition of bingo is a game that is played with cards and numbers called out individually." Given that definition, Governor Riley said it was a go to raid gaming centers.

WSFA 12 News will keep you updated on further developing details.

Copyright 2010 WSFA. All rights reserved.

Victoryland, Country Crossing raided by governor's task force - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |

 

[Foxrac]

Viewers react to Victoryland, Country Crossing raids

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - On Friday afternoon in downtown Montgomery WSFA 12 News had no trouble finding people willing to speak their mind on the attempts to raid Victoryland and Country Crossing.

"I couldn't imagine what his motives are right now," said Sabrina McKinney of Autaugaville.

"People are going to gamble anyway. They'll go to Mississippi. Why not keep it here?" said JoAnn Bentson of Prattville.

Another perspective from Melinda McGarry. "I do wonder why it's been a major issue right now."

"Why start it now instead of 7 years ago," Bentson added, more than 7 years ago when Governor Riley first took office.

"I think it's a little dramatic and I think there's more that meets the eye," said Rob Anderson, questioning Mr. Riley's motives.

From the streets to email there was no shortage of viewpoints. One emailer wrote: 'If someone is stupid enough to throw their money away... that's their decision, not the government's.'

Another piped in. "What's going on? If people want to gamble you will not stop them. They will just take their money to another state that surrounds us.'

And finally this one. "You can't dictate what people do with their own money. It's special interests Riley's involved in.'

Bertha Harris for one doesn't have any particular feelings on the issue of gambling itself, but she shares the sentiments expressed on the streets to the written word. "To me he (Governor Riley) is just picking at them and I think he's taking it too far," said Mrs. Harris.

This is was by far the top story all day. Thousands of WSFA's viewers rushed to WSFA.COM to read about the attempted raids. The story has generated more than 40,000 viewers and more than 500 comments. The numbers continue to grow.

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=11904599

 

[Foxrac]

It's sad to see private property to being raided by state government, I'm strongly condemn on government action to raid.

I support gambling that's regulated and taxes, that what we need have one for revenues since budget in Alabama is dying up, it is better than increase of taxes.

There's more info.
Troopers still waiting to raid Victoryland, Country Crossing

I know about Mississippi does legalize the gambling.

I'm expect about election in Nov would be big time for Alabamians.