Illegal gambling operations in Alabama — specifically in Lipscomb, Selma and Gadsden — have been the focus of law enforcement across the state in recent weeks.
Lipscomb — Aug. 26
- On Aug. 26, agents from the Alabama Attorney General’s office raided Jay’s Charity Bingo in Lipscomb, recovering dozens of illegal gambling machines stolen from state evidence.
- The evidence stickers were still on each of the machines, which had been stolen from Selma Charity Bingo, one of five locations shut down by a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the AG on Aug. 19.
- Under the TRO, instead of being hauled off in the Aug. 19 raid, they remained at the Selma facility and were locked up to prohibit them from being used.
- Five men were charged with the burglary.
- Agents also found more than 100 other machines deemed to be illegal gambling devices at this location.
- ”The brazen nature of stealing something that has an evidence sticker on it just shows you how far some of these people will go,’’ Alabama AG Steve Marshall said in an interview with al.com.
- Marshall said he’s interested to find out the link between what was going on in Selma and what his office believes is going on in Birmingham.
- Read more from al.com here.
Selma — Aug. 19
- Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama AG’s office searched and served TROs on five bingo halls in Selma. The TROs will prevent these facilities from being accessed or doing business: Joker 777, Mini Bingo, Selma Charity Bingo, Selma Bing and Lucky Duck.
- “These facilities are operating with complete disregard to Alabama law,” Marshall said in a statement. “I applaud Dallas County Sheriff (Michael) Granthum’s dedication to combat this blight and willingness to invite our team to assist in addressing these criminal enterprises.”
- Read more from Alabama Political Reporter here.
Gadsden — July 30
- Gadsden Police Street Crime Unit conducted Operation Jackpot, raiding several locations and seizing 88 gambling devices and more than $20,000 in cash. The raid came in response to numerous complaints about the possibility of illegal gambling activity.
- “Go ahead and pack up, take your stuff somewhere else because it’s not welcomed here. If you continue to stay in our town we will be coming to pay you a visit,” said Sgt. Jacob Entrekin of the GPSCU.
- Read more on the City of Gadsden’s crack down on illegal gambling from WBRC here.
- Read more from Gambling News here.
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