Statement from Task Force Commander John Tyson, Jr.

MONTGOMERY - John Tyson, Jr., Commander of the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling, today released a statement in response to recent developments in illegal gambling law enforcement.

On Friday, 14 electronic bingo slot machine casinos in Jefferson County closed after Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney Arthur Green and Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale demanded that casino owners shut down operations. In neighboring Blount County, Sheriff Lloyd Arrington raided a secret casino confiscating illegal machines and making appropriate arrests.

Tyson praised these fellow law enforcement officials for their efforts to enforce the law and requested that nearby Greenetrack, close down its illegal slot machine operation.

"The Task Force has confirmed that the illegal slot machine casino operations have ceased in Jefferson County," Tyson said. "Additionally, a speak-easy casino in Blount County was raided yesterday by the Sheriff's office and is no longer operational. On behalf of Governor Riley and the Task Force on Illegal Gambling, I want to thank Jefferson County District Attorney Arthur Green, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale and Blount Count Sheriff Lloyd Arrington for ensuring the rule of law prevails in their jurisdictions.

"Currently, the dog track in nearby Greene County continues to operate illegal slot machines. We are requesting that Greenetrack shut down its illegal 'bingo' slot machines. The legal dog track and traditional paper bingo games obviously have nothing to worry about and there is no legal reason those parts of Greenetrack cannot continue to operate as usual.

"The Task Force is also calling on casino operators and slot machine owners to get their illegal machines out of the State of Alabama immediately if they wish to avoid seizure of those machines. Casino operators and slot machine owners should contact Department of Public Safety for verification if they wish to take advantage of this opportunity.

"The Supreme Court has spoken. The time for rhetoric is over. The rule of law will be upheld in Alabama."