VictoryLand electronic bingo machine bill fails in Senate

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A bill that would have allowed electronic gambling machines at VictoryLand dog track failed on a procedural vote Tuesday night in the Alabama Senate.

Filed by Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Clayton), SB320 — which would allow VictoryLand in Macon County to operate the same bingo machines being used by the Poarch Creek Indians at casinos in Wetumpka, Atmore and Montgomery — was narrowly supported 14-13 for debate, however, a three-fifths majority is required to debate bills before lawmakers pass state budgets.

Beasley said the bill would stand to reinforce the current amendment allowing bingo in the county and help to recoup the more than 2,000 jobs lost when the gambling hall was closed down.

Late last month, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled once again that electronic bingo is illegal in the Yellowhammer state, making the bill’s passage necessary to continue operations at VictoryLand.

VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor has said he plans to reopen despite losing a three-year legal battle over the legality of electronic bingo machines.

The VictoryLand bill was the second electronic bingo bill to fall short in the Alabama Senate this month.

Last week, a proposal by Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) to add an amendment to the state constitution that would keep GreeneTrack’s bingo casino operational failed by four votes shy of the necessary 21.

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