Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | DeKalb County's Oldest Newspaper |
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Bingo developer says not in DeKalb
Published October 9, 2009
Former Fort Payne attorney Charles McGee, who has helped develop a charity bingo operation in Fairfield, said he has no plans at this time to pursue similar interests in DeKalb County.
However, McGee, who is also listed as vice president of Bamaco Bingo, said he might consider doing so if enough people here show an interest.
“Right now, I just think that the people of DeKalb County don’t really want this there, and I don’t believe in forcing something down local people’s throats,” McGee said. “But, if enough people tell me that they want it, then I’ll look into it.”
McGee said public opposition to gambling in DeKalb County is why he stood against development of legalized gambling near an ancient, Indian burial ground in Fort Payne. Ider businessman David Hammonds claims ownership of that land, but the land rightfully belongs to the United Band of Keetoowah Indians, to whom he planned to transfer the land.
That transfer was complicated in 2005, when McGee filed a deed with the DeKalb County Probate Judge’s Office claiming half ownership.
Since that time, Fort Payne native and State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks fashioned a campaign platform for governor that calls for taxes on the gambling industry and the creation of a state lottery to provide tax cuts for Alabama families and college scholarships for children.
McGee said he believes any statewide legalization of gambling in Alabama would require a constitutional amendment, as the state’s constitution currently explicitly forbids such gaming. However, several Alabama municipalities, including Fairfield, have passed local amendments that allow some forms of gaming.
The issue is currently being reviewed by the Alabama Supreme Court.
Bamaco Bingo is a non-profit operation with about 1,500 electronic bingo machines, with proceeds going to support education.
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