State of Alabama v. 825 Electronic Gambling Devices

Summary

The court held that the Greene County constitutional amendment permits electronic marking machines only as substitutes for paper bingo cards and does not eliminate the traditional characteristics of bingo. Because the seized machines automated the drawing, marking, recognition of winning patterns, and identification of winners, the games were materially equivalent to slot machines rather than lawful bingo. The court therefore reversed the circuit court and rendered judgment forfeiting the equipment and records to the State.