VictoryLand shuts down everything

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The battle over electronic bingo in Alabama rages on, and one complex is now completely shut down. State lawmakers joined the fight Thursday asking for legislation that would define bingo.

VictoryLand Casino in Shorter, Alabama is now completely closed. A call we placed to the casino went from a recording, to nothing. VictoryLand was a target of one of the failed raids. It's the latest move in a bingo battle that has attracted national attention.

Representatives from Country Crossing in Dothan, another bingo operation that shut down, held a news conference Thursday afternoon.

"I want to tell Mr. Tyson and Governor Riley to meet me at the Houston County courthouse in ten days and let's settle this," said Jim Parkman, Attorney for Country Crossing. "I want to hear from your witnesses and examine your evidence."

Parkman also talked about Milton McGregory, owner of VictoryLand, donating money to Tyson's campaign in 2006.

"Give the money back, if it is illegal, give it back," said Parkman.

Last week, the state's Illegal Gambling Task Force commanded by John Tyson, Jr. tried to raid three bingo operations, but ended up not going inside them.

Supporters of the businesses said jobs are being lost. Thousands of people have been put out of work since the closures.

A constitutional amendment sponsored by Democratic Rep. Marcel Black would allow electronic bingo at some locations. Including Mobile's Greyhound Park. The gaming would be taxed and regulated.

Alabama Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. said the legislature should pass a bill defining what bingo is. Tyson said this isn't just about gambling, its about the rule of law, and slot machines are illegal in Alabama.

The Alabama Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in the task force's favor late Thursday afternoon. The task force had asked the Supreme Court to remove a judge's order that blocked a raid on VictoryLand.

Governor Bob Riley suspects the facility owned by Milton McGregor has more than 6,000 illegal electronic bingo machines.