Stuck inside of Mobile
Stuck inside of Mobile
Alabama legislature debates an e-bingo bill A bill to legalize electronic bingo games at Alabama racetracks is being mulled by the state's House of Representatives after passing an earlier test in the Senate.According to the Associated Press, Republicans and conservative Democrats are opposed to the bill, saying it would lead to an expansion of gambling in the state. House Speaker Seth Hammett said he did not want to bring the bill before the House for debate if it did not have support, adding that it could be among the last things the House discusses.
Known as the "Bingo for Books and Beds" bill, the constitutional amendment would allow e-bingo games, with proceeds going to buy books for schoolchildren and nursing home beds for the state's Medicaid patients.
"This is not about books and not about beds. It's about expanding the profits of gambling at the tracks," said John Giles president of the state's Christian Coalition.
Supporters of the bill said it legalizes and taxes gambling that is already present in Indian-run casinos.
