 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Bingo Rules Change in Etowah County
The bingo battle in Etowah County hinges on a gaming facility that hasn't even broken ground. If it does it would bring 2000 new jobs and a $200-million investment in the area.
On Monday the County Commission changed the technical standards gaming halls must follow. In the one and only order of business at the special called commission meeting what really happened can be summed up in one word: conformity.
Etowah County CEO Patrick Simms explains, "It's just making sure that our technical standards are in compliance with the law."
A new resolution puts the County's rules for bingo in sync with the State Supreme Court's recent ruling - word for word - by outlining the technical standards for gaming machines in Etowah County.
When you consider there are no electronic gaming machines operating in the entire county right now this may all seem much ado about nothing to some people, but what's really at stake is the proposed $200 million dollar gaming facility that developers want to bring here. Tp break ground they must prove they'll bring 2000 jobs to this area.
CBS Supply, the developer, says no plans have changed after Monday's ruling. Their spokesperson issued a statement supporting the County's decision to quote "do everything by the book."
Attorney Christie Knowles says "CBS is pleased that county took the initiative to amend their technical standards. The county has reflected its commitment numerous times to do everything by the book and do it right here in Etowah County."
She also suggested the regulations will be helpful when the company submits sample gaming machines for legal review.
According to Simms, "Within a couple of weeks there will be a review of the machines themselves and then there will be a court hearing sometime in March."
If a judge decides those machines don't meet these technical standards bingo goes bust in Etowah County.
CBS Supply will present its gaming machines to the District Attorney's office by February 22. A court hearing where a judge will determine their legality is scheduled for March 3.
read more stories in Local News
ABC 33/40 Talkback - Story Comments
Not a member yet? Click Here to sign up.
Please leave your comments below:
Messages that harass, abuse or threaten other members; have obscene or otherwise objectionable content; have spam, commercial or
advertising content or inappropriate links may be removed and may result in the loss of your posting privileges. Please do not post any
private information unless you want it to be available publicly. Never assume that you are completely anonymous and cannot be identified by your posts.
More News and Videos
© 2010 TV Alabama, Inc.
The Associated Press may have contributed to this article.
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
ABC 33/40 News to leave comments on news stories.