Chickasaw city council to vote on bingo

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Chickasaw's dream of bringing in bingo could be that, just a dream. That's if a bill sponsored by Senator Marc Keahey of Grove Hill passes.

"It is time for the political circus to end and let the people decide the issue," Keahey said.

The Alabama Bingo Control Act limits gaming to eight spots around the state. Six, like Mobile Greyhound Park, are already established.

The other spots include VictoryLand in Shorter, Greenetrack in Eutaw, Birmingham Greyhound Racing, Country Crossing in Dothan, and White Hall
Resort.

The ABC Act calls for the formation of the Alabama Gaming Commission, which will pick the other two spots.

The bill requires a minimum of a $100 million investment for the area surrounding the gaming for hotels, restaurants and other tourist destinations.

Only half of the money could be used on bingo. Of course, the bill must pass with voters.

Chris Tanner supports the bill to legalize electronic bingo for some locations.

"We need employment here," he said.

Donnie Larson is indifferent when it comes to supporting legalized electronic bingo.

"I don't gamble, but if someone wants to, I don't have a problem with it," said Larson.

"I don't care either way, but I would probably vote yes," Aundrea Dennis added.

Places like Chickasaw could lose if the ABC Act passes. The bill prevents local governments from voting in gaming.

The Chickasaw city council will vote Tuesday on a bingo ordinance.

Senator Marc Keahey was asked why only the eight spots, since places like Chickasaw could lose out.

"The bill is just a rough draft that's been filed and I expect some changes," he said.

Keahey also said he had been in touch with Chickasaw's city attorney.

Another bill proposed by Representative Marcel Black of Tuscumbia would let voters decide in the general election if they want to legalize electronic bingo.