The state of Alabama continues to see a lot of controversy surrounding electronic bingo.

Recently, the sweet home Alabama coalition was created to establish a gaming commission to regulate bingo. This would affect Houston County.

"It would take the regulatory authority out of the hands of the county commission and put it at the state level. While we have some issues with losing that authority, when you look at the big picture, I think having one set of rules that everyone has to abide by and clarify exactly what you can do is the better way to go" says Mark Culver, Houston County Commission Chairman.

Culver, along with the rest of the Houston County Commission looked at the proposed bill and see bigger implications.

"It would restrict the growth of electronic bingo in the state of Alabama which is important; I know a lot of people were saying it expands it. It absolutely doesn't do that, I think some places will actually close with this legislation"

Another element would tax bingo games across the state including those at Indian facilities. Some say that could have a positive effect here.

"By getting revenue from these types of places now it keeps us from having to tax the general populous" says Culver.

Houston County is close to seeing its first electronic bingo facility on the grounds of future entertainment complex country crossing. There will be a ground breaking ceremony Saturday March 21st to seal the deal.

"I'm looking forward to getting all this behind us, this has dominated our agenda and the scene here now for more than a year and honestly I think we are all ready for the groundbreaking to happen, the buildings to be built, people to come down there and visit and be entertained and bring visitors into our community and move on"

These bills are proposed constitutional amendments and would have to be approved by a statewide vote. Many state leaders including attorney general troy king would like to allow the people to decide this.

Right now, private business groups are looking into building an entertainment complex in Barbour County.

The way the state law is now, in order for that to move forward.

Commissioners would need to pass a bingo ordinance for the area.