In Alabama, state law prohibits the use of gambling machines. The code says its illegal to operate, “Any device, machine, paraphernalia or equipment that is normally used or usable in the playing phases of any gambling activity, whether that activity consists of gambling between persons or gambling by a person involving the playing of a machine.”

Today, Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the Circuit Court of Morgan County has issued an order that temporarily prohibits the operations of River City Entertainment for using gambling machines until its pending case is resolved. Specifically, the court ruled:

“Defendant, River City Entertainment, and its officers, directors, agents, employees, representatives, servants and any other individual, firm, partnership or corporation participating or acting in concert with them…are temporarily RESTRAINED, ENJOINED AND PROHIBITED from operating for public use the electronic gaming machines located at 1804 Highway 231, Laceys Springs, Alabama.”

Attorney General Marshall joined Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson in filing the case to stop the use of electronic gambling machines at the facility.  This is the first case that has been set for a hearing on the State’s requested injunctive relief, meaning the desired outcome is to force the facility to stop using the machines on the basis that they’re unlawful.

“This is the first step forward in our continued efforts to curtail illegal gambling activity in Alabama,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall.  “The next step in this case is to push forward at trial before the Circuit Court of Morgan County and present the findings of our investigation in that public forum.  We are confident that our prosecution of this case will shed the light on the illegal activities at River City Entertainment and prove the claims we made in our complaint.  My office will continue to work diligently with the District Attorney and Sheriff of Morgan County to make sure that the laws of our state are followed.”

This link provides a full copy of the court order.