Alabama's Whitehall Entertainment Resort shuts down in government raid
The Alabama Attorney General's Office conducted a raid on the Whitehall Entertainment Resort and Casino in Lowndes County on Wednesday as part of a targeted crackdown on illegal gambling.
The casino is one of dozens of gambling establishments allowed to operate by sheriffs and local officials despite the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that "electronic bingo machines" are illegal, Alabama Today reports.
Attorney General Steve Marshall (right) confirmed the action on Wednesday. He said state officials have issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to the White House to halt its operations.
The TRO was accompanied by a search warrant authorizing law enforcement to conduct a thorough search of the scene. A total of 600 illegal machines were discovered, according to the Attorney General's Office.
Whitehall assets frozen
Marshall said in a press release that the casino was forcibly closed and seized, and the assets of multiple related companies were frozen. Financial transactions related to the casino are also prohibited pending further orders from the Lowndes County Circuit Court.
"Today's action reflects continued enforcement of the Alabama Supreme Court's previous order for Lowndes County," Marshall said. "The individuals, owners and operators of these illegal machines are violating the law, local court orders and our state's Supreme Court rule. Arguments like this will not be tolerated in Lowndes County or anywhere else in Alabama."
Marshall has previously called electronic bingo "a threat to public health, ethics, safety and welfare."
State Senator Robert Stewart (D-23rd District), who represents Lowndes County, expressed concerns about the timing of the closure in an interview with WSFA12 News.
"This attack couldn't have come at a better time. I'm very worried about workers during this holiday season," he said. "I hope everyone involved can agree to keep the White House open."
Litigation
The Whitehall Casino has a history of legal troubles and previous closures. Marshall sued that venue, as well as Victoryland in Short and South Star Entertainment Center in Hayneville, arguing the locations' slot machines violated the state constitution, which bans most forms of commercial gambling.
Lower courts sided with the casinos because local voters approved electronic bingo in a 2003 referendum.
In September, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that electronic bingo machines are illegal. They have been given until January 15, 2023 to shut down the project.
The operators have called on the Alabama Legislature to negotiate a constitutional amendment that would grant some companies, including the White House, legal status to operate and bar others from entering the market.
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Source: www.casino.org
