Ashville - An electronic bingo hall in Ashville's VFW post has been ordered to close, until the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled on whether that type of bingo is legal in the state.

Regardless of personal and religious beliefs, many people say they want the jobs and revenue the hall brings.

"Everyone here in Ashville knows we have a hard time coming and things keep getting worse. We are looking forward to more jobs for everyone," said Derrick Heckman, an Ashville resident.

"I'm not for bingo and I'm a Christian person, but the ones that want electronic bingo and the jobs in St. Clair County, I think it's a great thing for them to have," said Elice Turner, another resident.

Turner knows how important the 75 jobs at the bingo hall are.

"I have a brother that works there. He loves the job. He loves it and it is a job right here at home," she said.

Ashville Mayor Robert McKay says local businesses saw a 25 percent increase in sales for the ten days and showed people at the city council meeting a check from the hall's operator for nearly 13 thousand dollars.

"Who can say 75 jobs, well paying jobs is not economic development when the money is turned around and paid to city schools, churches and fire department," said McKay.

He says the city went 176 thousand dollars in debt last year, so an additional six million from the bingo hall would help.

"It's a great thing and I don't think it's over," said McKay.

Many people even want a second bingo hall in Ashville.

A group filed a petition with the zoning board to build one near I-59, but under city ordinance, only one hall is allowed in city limits.

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