White Hall Entertainment in Lowndes County, Alabama was recently shut down by state Attorney General Steve Marshall for violating a state Supreme Court order against illegal gambling. The action is in line with state Rep. Andy Whitt’s position in support of stronger statewide regulations against illegal gaming.
In an interview with WBRC, Whitt said, “This is something that has plagued the state for decades. We need a clear and concise law that covers all 67 counties, and we need to make sure that any piece of legislation comes forth has this regulatory and strong enforcement piece with it.”
Certain gambling activities are permitted through amendments to the state constitution in about a dozen counties. However, Whitt, who has been involved in more than 40 illegal gambling cases, is advocating for regulations that would cover the activity statewide. He said he considers these operations to be organized crime, and with that “comes crime, comes violence, comes drugs. You name it, it’s probably there in those casinos.”
Some state lawmakers are pushing back, noting that closing casinos, especially in economically challenged areas, has economic and social consequences. State Rep. Kelvin Lawrence said closing the White Hall casino in Lowndes County, for example, is “unfortunate” for communities seeking economic development.
Whitt, as chair of the House Committee on Tourism and Economic Development, said he and other lawmakers have begun drafting regulations regarding illegal gambling to introduce in the 2024 legislative session. He told WSFA, “I knew that illegal gambling was a problem when I walked just a couple of blocks from the Statehouse and was able to purchase a scratch-off.”
Currently, Alabama’s only casinos are operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians under the Wind Creek brand.
