Ala. casino closes as raid looms

SHORTER, Ala. (AP) - Victoryland casino is closing as a deadline looms in a court case that could clear the way for a raid of Alabama's largest electronic bingo operation.

Casino owner Milton McGregor said Monday that Victoryland is closing temporarily to protect its customers and employees. He had harsh words for Gov. Bob Riley and gambling task force Commander John Tyson, who have threatened to raid Victoryland if the Alabama Supreme Court clears the way.

Legal briefs are due Monday afternoon in a case that could allow the task force to confiscate about six thousand bingo machines at Victoryland. It's unclear if the casino's closing might thwart efforts to seize the machines.