Victoryland Casino Voluntarily Closing

Victoryland closed early Monday, putting about 600 people out of work. Owner Milton McGregor says the closure is temporary and is due to the "legal shenanigans and threats" from Governor Bob Riley and gambling task force Commander John Tyson.

The closing comes 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 Governor Riley and Commander John Tyson, who have threatened to raid Victoryland if the Alabama Supreme Court clears the way.

Tyson says the closure of Victoryland casino appears designed to prevent a raid.

Tyson says Victoryland apparently expects to lose a state Supreme Court case over whether the task force can raid the casino. He says the task force could seize electronic bingo machines even with Victoryland closed, but the seizure would have to be done lawfully and carefully.

On Monday Governor Bob Riley's Office released a statement regarding the closure of the slot machine casino in Macon County.

Jeff Emerson, Communications Director for Governor Riley, issued the following statement in response to Milton McGregor's decision to close his "illegal slot machine casino":

“One-Percent McGregor talks a big game about how his slot machines aren’t really slot machines, but when it’s time to lay his cards down on the table, he folds and runs away like a scalded dog. These casino bosses all claim they just want their day in court, yet when it’s time to take their slot machines before a court, the casino bosses run and hide. If One-Percent McGregor really, honestly believed his slot machines were legal, he would keep his casino open. Then he could argue his side in a court of law, but that’s the last thing One-Percent McGregor wants because he knows his slot machines are illegal -- absolutely 100 percent illegal. The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled unanimously, members of both parties, and has been very clear. The law is very clear. One-Percent McGregor tells people the opposite because he wants to continue breaking the law.”

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.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
The Alabama Supreme Court is expected to rule Tuesday or Wednesday whether or not the governor's gambling task force can raid Victoryland casino. Task Force chief John Tyson Jr. says lawyers for Victoryland have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to file briefs in the case. He says a ruling could come Tuesday or Wednesday.