Alabama is another state bitterly embroiled in the debate over slot machines and their legalization. Governor Bob Riley is vehemently standing against the games and hoping that they are thwarted. His belief is that electronic bingo games should be outlawed in the state because of their similarities to slot machines. Slots are illegal already and he wants to build on that law by including electronic bingo. There is a huge portion of the state’s voting public that agrees with the governor on the issue of slot machines and bingo machines. They also believe the similarities should make both illegal and banned from operating.

The Attorney General of the state Troy King is on the opposing side of the issue. He believes that “not all bingo games are actually slot machines.” That mere statement has created much dissention in the state. It has drawn up sides clearly of the opposing sides of the issue. King believes that bingo games are far enough away from slots that they should be allowed into the state. He is also pushing the argument that slots can bring huge revenues to a state that needs them desperately.

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Johnson is criticizing Riley’s decision to remove slots from the state. He claims that funds for Riley’s campaign came from Mississippi Indian casino owners. This is a point of contention and he believes that it is enough to call Riley someone who should not be trusted, or voted for, by the voting public. He is using the slot machine issue to tear down his opponent and hoping that he finds enough of a supporting public to push him into office.

The debate over slot machines has grown exponentially over the past few years. Though at one time slots were thought of as a land-based casino game only, in today’s market, they are slowly moving into the mainstream market. Gambling in general is taking on a new life as big-name commercial companies move to sponsor various high-profile gambling tournaments and events throughout the world. It’s a testament to the popularity of gambling and its movement into the everyday world.