In Calhoun County, Alabama, Sheriff Larry Amerson recently shut down Big Hit Bingo for operating without valid permits. As a result, hundreds of people who paid to play wonder if they’ll ever get their money back. Amerson said the seized money is evidence in his office’s investigation into illegal gambling and has been deposited in a bank account.
“Under Alabama law, any money seized from gambling goes to the state of Alabama if it’s ultimately condemned, so the money is handled one way and then the property may be handled a separate way,” Amerson said.
One player commented, “If you can imagine 200 people with at least $200, $250 each, you can imagine what this place brought in before they got shut down.”
Amerson said players have called his office to find out how to get their money back. “The operator took their money, they came in good faith, the operator did not have a valid permit. We’ve been contacted by a number of people and we referred them to the game operator to discuss the reimbursement of their money.” Representatives from Big Hit Bingo said they are attempting to resolve their legal issues.
Amerson added he did not shut down the operation because he is anti-bingo, as some have claimed. “If it’s lawful, I’m for them doing it, but they’re going to have to follow the law. We’re not going to turn our heads and let somebody do it without following the rules,” he said.
