Patrick Sims, CEO of Etowah County, explains "We've said from day one if a court says it's legal then we're going to control it, we're going to regulate and we're going to make sure the citizens of this county benefit from it."

A court ruling released on Friday supports the 506 Constitution law in Etowah County. According to Sims, that means "bingo shall be legal in Etowah county."

To get approval developers must hire 200 county residents and invest 200 hundred million in the area. The final stage of a developmental agreement is being prepared by the County Commission. If investors meet all of its requirements and can finance the project, Sims says "within a six month time we'll start seeing some activity."

Willie Brown, an Etowah County resident, says "I think it's a beautiful thing."

The court's decision has people talking at Connie's Coneys on Broad Street.

Mandell Tillman supports it. He says "I think it's a good thing. I think it will employee a lot of people. I think it will be good for our economy."

So does John Bone, who explains "I'm for it. I think it will bring in a lot of revenue to the county and I think we need it right now."

Of course not everyone supports bingo in Etowah County. Several groups - including a local Baptist association - have taken a stance against it.

What do you think about bingo operating in Etowah County??  Voice your opinion in the comments section posted below.

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