MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- The State of Alabama has filed a civil suit to take possession of more than $220,000 that was seized from the VictoryLand Casino last week.

State officials contend money that was seized was used as "bets or stakes in gambling activity in violation of the law of the State of Alabama." Authorities say the casino housed more than 1,600 gambling devices in violation of state law.

The petition asks the court to condemn the seized property and order it destroyed.

Civil forfeiture proceedings are not uncommon when money and property are seized in criminal cases.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports the State is asking for about $223,400 and 1,615 gambling devices that were seized when state authorities executed a search warrant on VictoryLand Feb 19.