VictoryLand bill fell short at the Alabama Senate

A bill aimed to allow electronic gambling machines at VictoryLand dog track, failed on a procedural vote.

US.- A bill to allow electronic gambling machines at VictoryLand dog track failed in the Alabama Senate.

The bill was filed by Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Clayton), SB320 and it would have allowed VictoryLand in Macon County, to operate the same bingo machines currently being used by the Poarch Creek Indians at casinos in Wetumpka, Atmore and Montgomery. The proposal was narrowly supported 14-13 for debate, but a three-fifths majority is required to debate bills before legislators pass state budgets.

Beasley explained that the bill would stand to reinforce the current amendment allowing bingo in the county and helping to recover more than 2,000 jobs, which were lost when the gambling hall was closed down.

At the end of March, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled again that electronic bingo is illegal in the Yellowhammer state, making the bill’s passage essential to continue operations at VictoryLand. The VictoryLand bill was the second electronic bingo bill to fall short in the Alabama Senate this month.

On its part, VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor affirms he plans to reopen despite losing a three-year legal battle over the legality of electronic bingo machines.