Chickasaw Could See Electronic Bingo Soon

The only electronic bingo casino to be shut down and have games confiscated in the state of Alabama wants to come back. Gulf Shores attorney Pete Bridges said he has written to the Alabama Attorney General to have his electronic bingo games looked at, and returned, so that he can open a gaming facility at the Chickasaw Auditorium.

Pete Bridges said he has invited the Attorney General to inspect the machines. But unlike other gaming interests in the state, Bridges faces other obstacles. The commander of the Governor's task force on illegal gambling told News 5 that a lawsuit has been filed to condemn the 25 machines seized from the Chickasaw Auditorium in late February. Subpoenas were served on Tuesday on the Mayor of Chickasaw and the twenty-one charities the bingo hall is licensed to support. That is an obstacle for Bridges that other casinos in the state have not had to face.

Bridges said he wants to reopen the facility. He has written to Attorney General Troy King to ask him to inspect the electronic bingo games and if he approves, return them, so the Chickasaw operation can reopen.

But there are additional problems. The supplier of the electronic machines told News 5 that he will not commit any more machines to Chickasaw until the issue is settled. Plus, the machines are considered evidence by the Governor's Illegal Gambling Task Force led by Tyson.

On Monday, Attorney General Troy King gave Tyson a 3 O'clock Tuesday deadline to turn over evidence regarding illegal gambling in the state. So far, there is no indication Tyson has complied with that order.

In a news release, King said he would seek immediate court relief if Tyson did not comply with his order. Tyson has said there is already a case pending before the Supreme Court that asks for clarification on the question of who has authority over the task force, the AG, or the Governor.