Bill to make gambling crimes more severe gains support

Attorney General Luther Strange, an advocate for what Strange calls his “top legislative priority,” is pleased the Judiciary Committee of the Alabama House of Representatives approved the bill to fight illegal gambling.

“I am pleased that the House Judiciary Committee has taken action on our recommendations to make Alabama’s gambling laws stronger and more effective,” said Strange. “I want to thank Rep. Allen Farley and Paul DeMarco for their leadership in moving this bill forward, and I urge members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass this bill as soon as possible.”

Under current law, the maximum penalty for any illegal gambling enterprise is a misdemeanor, regardless of the severity of the crime. A Class A misdemeanor has a possible punishment of up to one year in prison and a $2,000 fine. A Class C misdemeanor has a potential penalty of up to three years and jail.

House Bill 414 increases the maximum penalty for promoting unlawful gambling, conspiracy to promote unlawful gambling, and possession of 10 or more slot machines to Class C felonies.

In Alabama there are three felony classes: Class A, Class B and Class C. Class C felonies are the least severe of the three. If convicted of a Class C felony, sentencing is no less than two years and not more than 20 years. If a firearm or deadly weapon is used in the crime, the sentence is a minimum of 10 years. Fines are no more than $5,000.

Strange said having more severe penalties would deter large-scale illegal gambling enterprises and restore the punishment ranges enacted by original legislation passed in 1977.

Law enforcement will also have the authority to seize and condemn real property that is being used for purposes of illegal gambling involving the use of 10 or more slot machines.

After a trial in circuit court, the property would be sold and proceeds would go to the law enforcement agencies that seized the property.

Area state Rep. Barry Moore and state Rep. Steve Clouse are also supporting the bill.