River City Entertainment in Lacey Springs, Alabama will remain closed while Morgan County Circuit Judge Steven Haddock reviews claims that the business operates illegal electronic gambling machines. A court order indicated River City must stay shuttered until Haddock issues a decision or sets a hearing date.
Attorney General Steve Marshall said, “We are confident that our prosecution of this case will shed the light on the illegal activities at River City Entertainment and prove the claims we made in our complaint.” He added the court order is part of a move to end illegal gambling in Alabama.
The state sued River City and several other establishments in five counties last month, claiming slot-like bingo games are illegal gambling. Casino games are banned in Alabama but bingo is permitted in some counties. Casino operators said the electronic games are legal bingo and the displays and sounds just provide ambiance.
Casino representatives stated hundreds of people could lose their jobs, while in the meantime similar games are offered at Poarch Band of Creek Indians casinos which have not been threatened with closure.
