In the United States bingo may be a very common game, but in the state of Alabama, things have gotten tough in a legal battle royale of epic proportions. The state has been facing a battle against bingo casinos lead by their Governor Bob Riley and the task force he assembled in an effort to shut down the bingo parlors that have brought the state income during a very rough period over the past few years. The battle is primarily political as Riley attempts to win favor with the more conservative base of voters in the Southern state who have religious reasons for opposing the parlors, say many experts. There are a contingent of politicians involved in the dispute, on both sides, with one group against bingo for social reasons and another supporting it due to the fact that it not only provides much needed entertainment for residents, but also because it has been a huge source of jobs for many in the economy who would otherwise not be able to find work during these rough times. Unfortunately for bingo fans in the area, as well as those who would be able to work at the casinos that offer bingo, the dispute is more political than anything else and despite massive rallies is not looking to be done any time soon.
A great many people have come out to support the pro bingo side, which is a good sign, and it is thought that the electronic bingo machines which the Governor is so opposed to may be legalized after the next elections.
