Published on January 28, 2014 by April Gardner

Gaming operators within the state of Alabama was in a continuing battle with lawmakers over the legality of electronic gaming machines. The Attorney general has made it clear that he believes the machines are illegal, while gaming hall owners maintain that their operations are throughout the law.

While the controversy has again heated up in Alabama, one operator is setting their sights on an even bigger market, Big apple. Greenetrack, which operates a casino in Greene County, stated this week that they want to open a casino within the Catskills.

"We expect that our bid might be seriously considered should we elect to use for the gaming license." said Greenetrack, in a press release to The Post. "Accordingly, Greenetrack is building a team to explore this possibility in addition to to deal with community outreach around the state and to teach New Yorkers on Greenetrack's accomplished casino gaming operation."

Greenetrack was among the Alabama locations that was raided by police officers back in 2011. Nearly 400 machines were seized in the course of the operation, with the Attorney general citing Alabama law prohibiting slot machines as a reason behind the raids.

Several of the gaming establishments, including Greenetrack, re-opened after the raids. The owners of Greenetrack claim that Green County voters approved the electronic gaming machines back in 2003. The Supreme Court has made a few individual case rulings at the machines, but nothing that might give a definitive answer to whether or not the machines are legal under state law.

The Alabama gaming industry made national headlines when Milton McGregor and Ronnie Gilley, developers of VictoryLand and Country Crossings casinos, respectively, were arrested on charges of bribing state Senators. Gilley pleaded guilty, while McGregor beat his case in court. Over a dozen lobbyists and senators were also charged within the case.

It have been reported that Greenetrack has ties to the Reverend Al Sharpton, but Sharpton has denied having any knowledge of Greenetrack's open a casino within the Catskills.

Read More... [Source: Casino Gambling News]