Langford’s Bingo for Birmingham Plan Meets State Level Opposition

BIRMINGHAM, Ala—A proposal to legalize electronic bingo as a $20 million annual money-maker for the city is facing criticism from state leaders.

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford wants to legalize bingo machines at the Birmingham Race Course, in a move that would require a public referendum and approval from the Alabama Legislature.

Alabama Attorney General Troy King is the latest state leader to speak out about bingo, saying his disapproval will not come as all out opposition.

“As much as I am opposed to gambling in our state, as much as I am concerned about the social ills that accompany gambling when it comes into our state, as the attorney general, my job is to enforce the law and to be sure whatever gambling we have is being conducted in strict accordance with the law,“ King said, Thursday.

Governor Bob Riley’s pledged opposition to local bingo outraged Mayor Langford this week.

“This is something that I don’t think the people of Alabama want. They voted on it. They voted on it time and time again. There is always a person who will make a fortune off of it, if it happens but that is not justification to allow an expansion of gambling in the state,“ Riley said.

Langford fired back through the media.

“If the citizens say they want it, he’s obligated to not go against the will of the people,“ Langford said.

The casino-style machines could raise $20 million in annual profit, according to information Langford presented to city leaders this week.

A majority of city councilors support putting the idea up for a public vote. Langford wants the measure on November ballots and plans a campaign to try for support among voters.

If the question of bingo is approved by Birmingham residents, state lawmakers would get the final say, in a vote and possibly with a constitutional amendment. That’s where Governor Riley’s opposition could hold sway, in spite of the Republican minority in the State House.