Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley said Friday he was pleased that another planned raid from the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling had apparently been stopped.
However, Gilley said he believes Alabama Gov. Bob Riley will continue to target the facility because it is in competition with Mississippi casinos.
"I think he is coming after us because we are a true tourist destination point and a competitor to the facilities in Mississippi," Gilley said Friday evening at Country Crossing.
Alabama gaming advocates and others have alleged Riley received money from Mississippi gambling interests during his first run for governor. Riley has consistently denied taking any Mississippi gambling money and said the allegations are an attempt to divert the argument from the legality of the machines at Country Crossing and other venues in Alabama.
Gilley said Riley should focus on other issues such as the state budget.
"I'm confident about our legal position here but I am disgusted too. I am disgusted that our governor is spending millions of dollars to eliminate competition for Native American facilities. There are a lot more pertinent issues out there. Our state is flat busted, and our governor, as opposed to supporting legislation to tax, limit and regulate bingo in this state, is spending millions of dollars to eliminate the industry that could help bail our state out."
Gilley said he has not determined when Country Crossing will re-open. He said attorneys are exploring "every avenue" in an attempt to make sure the establishment is on solid legal ground when it opens again.
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