Casino owner gave $100K to Tyson race

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - One player just raised the ante in the fight over gambling in Alabama. VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor said he supported John Tyson, Jr. in the 2006 election, even though Tyson told him he was opposed to gambling. Now McGregor is fighting back.

Tuesday, the doors still remained locked at both VictoryLand and Country Crossing.

Alabama's Illegal Gambling Task Force has led two raids against two casinos suspected of running unlawful electronic bingo machines.

Country Crossing and VictoryLand both closed before agents could get inside.

"Mr. McGregor closed last [Monday] night and announced that he is making computer changes to his machine. We find that very interesting and very encouraging in that he shut down and is trying to change things," said Tyson.

McGregor said he is not changing out his gaming machines, he's changing out the point of sale computer machines.

That's not all McGregor said. He said he made a $100,000 donation to Tyson's campaign back in 2006.

"When I talked to Milton McGregor I told him I was against illegal gambling, and he contributed to my campaign and I thought that meant he understood what my position was and he was agreeing with my position," said Tyson.

Tyson said McGregor told him he was against illegal gambling, as well.

Governor Riley said the state of Alabama should applaud Tyson.

"It proves one thing: that Milton McGregor, or no one else, can buy John Tyson. No matter what he got from us, his going to uphold the law," said Riley. "I think the problem would be for Milton McGregor to come out and say, 'Look, I gave him money and now he won't do what I ask him to do."

For now the doors of Country Crossing and VictoryLand remained locked, while the Supreme Court of Alabama decides whether to lift a temporary restraining order opening the door for agents.

The Alabama Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on the restraining order this week.