Greyhound track supports Ala. bingo act

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The battle over bingo continues, with gaming officials tossing out their ideas on how to limit, regulate and tax bingo. Poarch Creek Indian Gaming breaks its silence about Alabama's bingo controversy.

PCI's gaming president along with owners of Mobile's Greyhound Track have put their support behind the Alabama Bingo Control Act , or ABC Act. Meanwhile, another track took action to avoid a raid.

Greentrack in Eutaw gave up its liquor license so it could avoid warrant-less searches by the state's Illegal Gambling Task Force. Also, another Alabama District Attorney ordered bingo operations in his jurisdiction to shut down.

Meanwhile, Poarch Creek Indian Gaming throws its support behind the The Alabama Bingo Control Act .

"This is an industry that could benefit Alabama greatly, especially at a time when the state has such a budget shortfall. We believe the Alabama Bingo Control Act accomplishes what other bills have tried, but failed, to do. It limits, regulates, and taxes gaming for the benefit of all Alabamians," James Dorris, President of PCI Gaming, said.

The bill allows for eight gaming operations in the state. Six already exist, including Mobile's Greyhound Track. The sites are billed as tourist destinations. That doesn't sit well with people opposed to gambling.

"Those are not there as entertainment or pleasurable, just a place for people to lose money," said Eric Johnston with Citizens for a Better Alabama.

The ABC Act calls for the State to receive 20 percent of bingo proceeds, local municipalities and counties where gaming is to split 8 percent, it's estimated legalized bingo will generate $250 million profit during its first year.

Meanwhile, employees of Country Crossing in Dothan, which closed down before being raided, are expected to file for unemployment Tuesday.

The ABC Act was sponsored by Senator Marc Keahey of Grove Hill. The ABC Act calls for the proceeds of bingo to benefit the education fund and medicaid.