The owner of VictoryLand in Macon County announced this morning that the facility will close temporarily while it continues its legal fight with Gov. Bob Riley and his illegal gambling task force.
Here is a statement from Milton McGregor on the casino's
:
"It is with great disappointment that VictoryLand announces it will temporarily close its electronic bingo operation on August 9, 2010. Because of the ridiculous and illegal behavior of John Tyson and Bob Riley, our main concern has always been the safety of our customers and employees," McGregor said the statement.
McGregor said the shutdown of electronic bingo will put 600 people out of work at the facility, which has operated for almost seven years.
McGregor did not say how long he will keep electronic bingo operations closed but said the closure will be temporary. Dog racing will resume on Aug. 12.
Tyson on Friday asked the Supreme Court to lift an injunction that has blocked a raid at VictoryLand. The Supreme Court had already ruled that the judge erred when he issued the order. The justices gave the Macon County district attorney and sheriff, who both oppose a raid, until 4 p.m. today to file a response with the Supreme Court.
Riley maintains VictoryLand's electronic bingo games are illegal and the slot machine look-alikes are not what voters had in mind when they approved charity bingo laws. McGregor maintains the games are legal under a constitutional amendment allowing bingo.
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