| NEWS NY Times: Alabama’s Longtime Hostility to Gambling Shows Signs of Fading

[TerryP]

BTW, I saw a tweet from Lars Anderson this morning where he said he was going to be writing for Maddox and one of the items on his platform is an educational lottery.

Perhaps we're judging Alabamians a little too quickly?

 

[bamachine]

Just like Baptists and alcohol, they preach against it and then sneak out back to have a nip from their flask. Residents of the state of Alabama did more "illegal" gambling on cfb than any other state.

If you are going fishing with your cooler full of beer, make sure to take two Baptists, instead of just one. That way they don't drink all of your beer.

 

[TerryP]

If you are going fishing with your cooler full of beer, make sure to take two Baptists, instead of just one. That way they don't drink all of your beer.

I've heard that a few times in my life...but, coincidently, during a search I ran across a site called "A Bama Blog" where that was one of the featured jokes. I think it was abamablog.blogspot

 

[OldPlayer]

“I dread going back into session, if I’m re-elected, knowing that there’s probably going to be fantasy sports, there’s going to be the lottery, there’s going to be sports gambling, the Vegas-type gambling,” said Rich Wingo, a Republican state representative who opposes all those things. “I just feel like we’re going to be inundated with this gambling issue.”

Then don't run for office.

Paraphrased: I dread going back to work to do the job I was elected to do?

And, by the way, what exactly is "Vegas-type gambling?" Uh, gambling?

The legislators are in a bind. While legalizing gambling could bring a lot of money into the state, the majority of the voters don't want it. If the legislators allow gambling, they'll be voted out in the next election. If they put it on a ballot for the voters, it will fail (so why do it? Even voting to get it to ballot could get them unelected). Legalizing gambling also brings the potential of organized crime (who would love to tap into the potential windfall from a state that doesn't know how to protect against organized crime).

Completely and utterly false.

Huge support exists for Alabama gambling vote, pro-gambling group poll shows

And the organized crime thing is probably the most silly thing I've ever read. Ever heard of the Dixie Mafia? Organized crime pops in places that have prohibition, not the other way around.

"...pro-gambling group poll says"

Of course they're going to say that. Organized crime was in Las Vegas and Atlantic City (no prohibition there). If you think the Dixie Mafia is organized crime, you need to research the Cosa Nostra. Plus, there's a reason the Dixie Mafia is based in Biloxi (it's because of the gambling).

Show me another poll... you can't because the people that are against it don't want to poll it... kinda the point.

If you DON'T think the Dixie Mafia is organized crime, you need to research what the term "organized crime" means.

Biloxi, seriously? They didn't freaking legalize gambling until the 1990s. The Dixie Mafia has been around since the 60s. Thanks for proving that point.

And as far as the Mafia goes, they've had influence in Vegas since the 20s. Gambling was legalized in the 30s. Atlantic City/Jersey didn't legalize gambling until the 70s, do we need to say how long the mafia had their foot hold in Jersey? Besides the mafia's biggest racket was also alcohol during prohibition, period and ILLEGAL gambling. They got involved with the legit stuff or awhile before the FBI shut that down.

The Dixie Mafia was based out of Biloxi before gambling was legalized because of all the illegal gambling that was going on. The Dixie Mafia have been known to be involved with moving stolen merchandise, illegal alcohol, and illegal drugs. It is also known for violence, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, extortion, robbery, fraud, and money laundering. The Cosa Nostra Mafia is involved in all of these activities as well as racketeering, gambling, loan sharking, and prostitution. The racketeering can be the most dangerous with casinos as the mob infiltrates the unions and then controls all the personnel operations of a casino. Regardless which mafia it is, they tend to go where there is money to be made and casinos are targets because of the cash nature of the business. The FBI got the mob out of Las Vegas and Atlantic City (allegedly), but there are remnants.

I'm not saying gambling couldn't be good for Alabama. I'm saying that there is still a strong portion of the population that doesn't want it (not even the lottery). It may be changing, but it hasn't changed.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

@BamaBoyJosh
@TerryP
@OldPlayer
Need to go back to time before...watch old movie called Pheonix City Story
Wasnt it govener Patterson that was killed with all the gambling in Pheonix City was raided....( i havent watched it in many years either)

 

[TerryP]

@BamaBoyJosh
@TerryP
@OldPlayer
Need to go back to time before...watch old movie called Pheonix City Story
Wasnt it govener Patterson that was killed with all the gambling in Pheonix City was raided....( i havent watched it in many years either)

Phenix City's Story: How Gambling Affected an Alabama Town

 

[JoshB]

Either you're confused or I'm confused here, and honestly I thought I was pretty clear. One of the main arguments against casinos in this state is because it's a sin... religion. That's where the separation of church and state comes in.

Neither. I think we're beating the same drum from different sides.

A law making it legal for casino's to be built will not stop the establishment of a religion or the practice thereof. It may offend some, yes. But, they can't make an argument of the church and state here. Casino's don't interfere with the practice, establishment, etc. of any religion. That's the reason I said it's not applicable.

“I dread going back into session, if I’m re-elected, knowing that there’s probably going to be fantasy sports, there’s going to be the lottery, there’s going to be sports gambling, the Vegas-type gambling,” said Rich Wingo, a Republican state representative who opposes all those things. “I just feel like we’re going to be inundated with this gambling issue.”

Then don't run for office.

Paraphrased: I dread going back to work to do the job I was elected to do?

And, by the way, what exactly is "Vegas-type gambling?" Uh, gambling?

The legislators are in a bind. While legalizing gambling could bring a lot of money into the state, the majority of the voters don't want it. If the legislators allow gambling, they'll be voted out in the next election. If they put it on a ballot for the voters, it will fail (so why do it? Even voting to get it to ballot could get them unelected). Legalizing gambling also brings the potential of organized crime (who would love to tap into the potential windfall from a state that doesn't know how to protect against organized crime).

Completely and utterly false.

Huge support exists for Alabama gambling vote, pro-gambling group poll shows

And the organized crime thing is probably the most silly thing I've ever read. Ever heard of the Dixie Mafia? Organized crime pops in places that have prohibition, not the other way around.

"...pro-gambling group poll says"

Of course they're going to say that. Organized crime was in Las Vegas and Atlantic City (no prohibition there). If you think the Dixie Mafia is organized crime, you need to research the Cosa Nostra. Plus, there's a reason the Dixie Mafia is based in Biloxi (it's because of the gambling).

Show me another poll... you can't because the people that are against it don't want to poll it... kinda the point.

The Alabama Jobs Foundation recently conducted a poll that showed 89 percent of Alabamians want the right to vote on gaming, while 69 percent are in favor of supporting an education lottery and gaming amendment.​

https://www.bizjournals.com/birming...s-majority-of-alabamians-want-to-vote-on.html

No, making a law based on your religious beliefs is a violation of separation of church and state, by making a law that is based on religion you are establishing that as a state religion. Sure, they can get around it by simply refusing to say that it's based on religion (which is why I said they wont be dumb enough to say it flat out even if the extremists know thats why).

And hey, look Terry found another poll lol

 

['65 Cobra]

Not to intercept, but @OldPlayer and @50+yeartidefan you do realize that organized crime illegal influence in Vegas and Atlantic City is effectively nullified now because of the strict oversight agencies, right? It's not like it was in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Also, what involvement do you really think Cosa Nostra has in state lotteries??? That's a form of gambling, and it's allowed in 44(!!) states.

For me, and as others have alluded, if a person doesn't want to gamble or play a lottery, that's fine, then don't. As far as others being able to, it's none of their business. This state has missed out on a great deal because of legislation (or lack thereof) grossly influenced by arch conservative organized religion. And to miss out on the billions that have helped in countless education and other programs, IMHO, is ludicrous. Our state could really use that money. In just lotteries, Florida took in $5.1 billion and netted $1.5 billion in 2015. Georgia was $3.5 and $948 million in 2015. Those were the most recent numbers I could find quickly and that is after all prizes and administration in those nets. Can you imagine the State of Alabama having an extra, say, $650 million per year? Aside from Montgomery corruption, why would anyone be against such a helpful windfall?

 

[JoshB]

“I dread going back into session, if I’m re-elected, knowing that there’s probably going to be fantasy sports, there’s going to be the lottery, there’s going to be sports gambling, the Vegas-type gambling,” said Rich Wingo, a Republican state representative who opposes all those things. “I just feel like we’re going to be inundated with this gambling issue.”

Then don't run for office.

Paraphrased: I dread going back to work to do the job I was elected to do?

And, by the way, what exactly is "Vegas-type gambling?" Uh, gambling?

The legislators are in a bind. While legalizing gambling could bring a lot of money into the state, the majority of the voters don't want it. If the legislators allow gambling, they'll be voted out in the next election. If they put it on a ballot for the voters, it will fail (so why do it? Even voting to get it to ballot could get them unelected). Legalizing gambling also brings the potential of organized crime (who would love to tap into the potential windfall from a state that doesn't know how to protect against organized crime).

Completely and utterly false.

Huge support exists for Alabama gambling vote, pro-gambling group poll shows

And the organized crime thing is probably the most silly thing I've ever read. Ever heard of the Dixie Mafia? Organized crime pops in places that have prohibition, not the other way around.

"...pro-gambling group poll says"

Of course they're going to say that. Organized crime was in Las Vegas and Atlantic City (no prohibition there). If you think the Dixie Mafia is organized crime, you need to research the Cosa Nostra. Plus, there's a reason the Dixie Mafia is based in Biloxi (it's because of the gambling).

Show me another poll... you can't because the people that are against it don't want to poll it... kinda the point.

If you DON'T think the Dixie Mafia is organized crime, you need to research what the term "organized crime" means.

Biloxi, seriously? They didn't freaking legalize gambling until the 1990s. The Dixie Mafia has been around since the 60s. Thanks for proving that point.

And as far as the Mafia goes, they've had influence in Vegas since the 20s. Gambling was legalized in the 30s. Atlantic City/Jersey didn't legalize gambling until the 70s, do we need to say how long the mafia had their foot hold in Jersey? Besides the mafia's biggest racket was also alcohol during prohibition, period and ILLEGAL gambling. They got involved with the legit stuff or awhile before the FBI shut that down.

The Dixie Mafia was based out of Biloxi before gambling was legalized because of all the illegal gambling that was going on. The Dixie Mafia have been known to be involved with moving stolen merchandise, illegal alcohol, and illegal drugs. It is also known for violence, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, extortion, robbery, fraud, and money laundering. The Cosa Nostra Mafia is involved in all of these activities as well as racketeering, gambling, loan sharking, and prostitution. The racketeering can be the most dangerous with casinos as the mob infiltrates the unions and then controls all the personnel operations of a casino. Regardless which mafia it is, they tend to go where there is money to be made and casinos are targets because of the cash nature of the business. The FBI got the mob out of Las Vegas and Atlantic City (allegedly), but there are remnants.

I'm not saying gambling couldn't be good for Alabama. I'm saying that there is still a strong portion of the population that doesn't want it (not even the lottery). It may be changing, but it hasn't changed.

YES... ILLEGAL gambling. That was my ENTIRE point.

Yes, it has changed. You've been shown now TWO polls that show that the majority of Alabamians want it or at the very least for it to get a vote. It's just like beer on Sunday's (or alcohol in general). There is a VERY small number of people that dont want it. They are very loud but they are a minority. The anti gambling people dont want it to be put to a vote because they know what will happen if it does. The politicians dont want it to be put to a vote because they dont want to upset those very loud people and also those certain individuals on certain reservations that like to donate to certain people. That wasn't so subtle because I'm pretty sure it's not even a secret anymore.

 

[TerryP]

No, making a law based on your religious beliefs is a violation of separation of church and state, by making a law that is based on religion you are establishing that as a state religion. Sure, they can get around it by simply refusing to say that it's based on religion (which is why I said they wont be dumb enough to say it flat out even if the extremists know thats why).

We'll disagree here, Josh. Legalizing gambling isn't making a law respecting the establishment of a religion or prohibiting the exercise thereof. It's clearly written.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Establishment. The creation of. They won't be making a law that has any bearing on anyone practicing their own religion. Hence, not applicable.

 

[JoshB]

Not to intercept, but @OldPlayer and @50+yeartidefan you do realize that organized crime influence in Vegas and Atlantic City is effectively nullified now because of the strict oversight agencies, right? It's not like it was in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Also, what involvement do you really think Cosa Nostra has in state lotteries??? That's a form of gambling, and it's allowed in 44(!!) states.

For me, and as others have alluded, if a person doesn't want to gamble or play a lottery, that's fine, then don't. As far as others being able to, it's none of their business. This state has missed out on a great deal because of legislation (or lack thereof) grossly influenced by arch conservative organized religion. And to miss out on the billions that have helped in countless education and other programs, IMHO, is ludicrous. Our state could really use that money. Florida took in $5.1 billion and netted $1.5 billion in 2015. Georgia was $3.5 and $948 million in 2015. Those were the most recent numbers I could find quickly and that is after all prizes and administration in those nets. Can you imagine the State of Alabama having an extra, say, $650 million per year? Aside from Montgomery corruption, why would anyone be against such a helpful windfall?

That's part of what blew my mind when he brought up the Mafia. They barely even exist anymore and somehow out of all the states that have legalized gambling that dont have a mafia problem, Alabama will?

I dont gamble and I dont plan to even if its legalized. I have literally gambled one time in my entire life, during my senior class trip on a cruise ship. I like 30 bucks and was like "hell naw." It's not worth it to me. A lot of people love it and a lot of money could come to a state that is constantly talking about how it doesn't have enough. Wouldn't it be nice if we would do things like fix some of these shit roads, maybe get some more money to our schools, maybe even get some help for the poor and vets, etc.? Of course, some of that money is going to go ignorant stuff like a gold toilet for Kay Ivey or something but that's a different argument for a different day.

 

[TerryP]

Can you imagine the State of Alabama having an extra, say, $650 million per year?

Uh, yeah...baseball scholly's, etc.

 

[TerryP]

I have literally gambled one time in my entire life, during my senior class trip on a cruise ship. I like 30 bucks and was like "hell naw." It's not worth it to me

Curious. What were you playing? Slots?

 

[TerryP]

Here's one thing that gets me a bit.

It's legal now to wager on sports. So, if Alabama passed a law where I could gamble on sports--through a state taxed casino or something akin--chances are I'd wager my money on Sportsbooks within the state of Alabama. And remember, I live out of state and could very well see it legal to do here in S. Carolina soon.

But again..."--through a state taxed casino or something akin--" ... and there is the issue. No one will agree on how it's handled, I suspect.

 

[bamachine]

If you are going fishing with your cooler full of beer, make sure to take two Baptists, instead of just one. That way they don't drink all of your beer.

I've heard that a few times in my life...but, coincidently, during a search I ran across a site called "A Bama Blog" where that was one of the featured jokes. I think it was abamablog.blogspot

Yeah, it is an old joke that is popular around the south. If you are asking if that is my blog, I have never had a blog. Just ran a message board, somewhat like this one but with more anarchy. Had to hand the reins over to someone else when I went to work for Nielsen.

 

[TerryP]

If you are going fishing with your cooler full of beer, make sure to take two Baptists, instead of just one. That way they don't drink all of your beer.

I've heard that a few times in my life...but, coincidently, during a search I ran across a site called "A Bama Blog" where that was one of the featured jokes. I think it was abamablog.blogspot

Yeah, it is an old joke that is popular around the south. If you are asking if that is my blog, I have never had a blog. Just ran a message board, somewhat like this one but with more anarchy. Had to hand the reins over to someone else when I went to work for Nielsen.

No. I wasn't asking if it were yours. It was just a site I ran across while looking for something else a few weeks ago.

I'm familiar with you and your "past," so to speak. Like you, I don't post under other usernames. There are still a few of us out there that maintain the same "identity" no matter where we are--I just use my name because I'm not one to regret things I post (often should be included here I suppose.)

 

[bamachine]

If you are going fishing with your cooler full of beer, make sure to take two Baptists, instead of just one. That way they don't drink all of your beer.

I've heard that a few times in my life...but, coincidently, during a search I ran across a site called "A Bama Blog" where that was one of the featured jokes. I think it was abamablog.blogspot

Yeah, it is an old joke that is popular around the south. If you are asking if that is my blog, I have never had a blog. Just ran a message board, somewhat like this one but with more anarchy. Had to hand the reins over to someone else when I went to work for Nielsen.

No. I wasn't asking if it were yours. It was just a site I ran across while looking for something else a few weeks ago.

I'm familiar with you and your "past," so to speak. Like you, I don't post under other usernames. There are still a few of us out there that maintain the same "identity" no matter where we are--I just use my name because I'm not one to regret things I post (often should be included here I suppose.)

Yeah, I have used the same identity online for over a decade. I was bamajama, back on the old CNN/SI boards but when that place finally died and I started looking for a new home, many others were using the bamajama name.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

@BamaBoyJosh
@TerryP
@'65 Cobra
Gaming isnt bad. Play what you canlose....have fun....
Bestest place....is Philadelphia MS at the Silverstar...i think....
Last time.... on a 20.....and easy drive from ttown after a game

 

[JoshB]

I have literally gambled one time in my entire life, during my senior class trip on a cruise ship. I like 30 bucks and was like "hell naw." It's not worth it to me

Curious. What were you playing? Slots?

Slots. I am so beyond clueless when it comes to any of that other stuff (cards and the like) that it would have been a death sentence to try anything else lol

 

[OldPlayer]

“I dread going back into session, if I’m re-elected, knowing that there’s probably going to be fantasy sports, there’s going to be the lottery, there’s going to be sports gambling, the Vegas-type gambling,” said Rich Wingo, a Republican state representative who opposes all those things. “I just feel like we’re going to be inundated with this gambling issue.”

Then don't run for office.

Paraphrased: I dread going back to work to do the job I was elected to do?

And, by the way, what exactly is "Vegas-type gambling?" Uh, gambling?

The legislators are in a bind. While legalizing gambling could bring a lot of money into the state, the majority of the voters don't want it. If the legislators allow gambling, they'll be voted out in the next election. If they put it on a ballot for the voters, it will fail (so why do it? Even voting to get it to ballot could get them unelected). Legalizing gambling also brings the potential of organized crime (who would love to tap into the potential windfall from a state that doesn't know how to protect against organized crime).

Completely and utterly false.

Huge support exists for Alabama gambling vote, pro-gambling group poll shows

And the organized crime thing is probably the most silly thing I've ever read. Ever heard of the Dixie Mafia? Organized crime pops in places that have prohibition, not the other way around.

"...pro-gambling group poll says"

Of course they're going to say that. Organized crime was in Las Vegas and Atlantic City (no prohibition there). If you think the Dixie Mafia is organized crime, you need to research the Cosa Nostra. Plus, there's a reason the Dixie Mafia is based in Biloxi (it's because of the gambling).

Show me another poll... you can't because the people that are against it don't want to poll it... kinda the point.

If you DON'T think the Dixie Mafia is organized crime, you need to research what the term "organized crime" means.

Biloxi, seriously? They didn't freaking legalize gambling until the 1990s. The Dixie Mafia has been around since the 60s. Thanks for proving that point.

And as far as the Mafia goes, they've had influence in Vegas since the 20s. Gambling was legalized in the 30s. Atlantic City/Jersey didn't legalize gambling until the 70s, do we need to say how long the mafia had their foot hold in Jersey? Besides the mafia's biggest racket was also alcohol during prohibition, period and ILLEGAL gambling. They got involved with the legit stuff or awhile before the FBI shut that down.

The Dixie Mafia was based out of Biloxi before gambling was legalized because of all the illegal gambling that was going on. The Dixie Mafia have been known to be involved with moving stolen merchandise, illegal alcohol, and illegal drugs. It is also known for violence, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, extortion, robbery, fraud, and money laundering. The Cosa Nostra Mafia is involved in all of these activities as well as racketeering, gambling, loan sharking, and prostitution. The racketeering can be the most dangerous with casinos as the mob infiltrates the unions and then controls all the personnel operations of a casino. Regardless which mafia it is, they tend to go where there is money to be made and casinos are targets because of the cash nature of the business. The FBI got the mob out of Las Vegas and Atlantic City (allegedly), but there are remnants.

I'm not saying gambling couldn't be good for Alabama. I'm saying that there is still a strong portion of the population that doesn't want it (not even the lottery). It may be changing, but it hasn't changed.

YES... ILLEGAL gambling. That was my ENTIRE point.

Yes, it has changed. You've been shown now TWO polls that show that the majority of Alabamians want it or at the very least for it to get a vote. It's just like beer on Sunday's (or alcohol in general). There is a VERY small number of people that dont want it. They are very loud but they are a minority. The anti gambling people dont want it to be put to a vote because they know what will happen if it does. The politicians dont want it to be put to a vote because they dont want to upset those very loud people and also those certain individuals on certain reservations that like to donate to certain people. That wasn't so subtle because I'm pretty sure it's not even a secret anymore.

Didn't the polls show Hillary was going to win? Your responses make it sound like I'm against it. I'm not. I know the state can use the money. I also know the government, regardless of which one, couldn't run a business if their lives depended on it. Getting gambling started in Alabama will cost a lot of money and if the government has its way, a lot of that money could just be burned, the outcome is the same. I bet if it does go to vote, there will be many counties that will not implement gambling of any type.