Alabama AG Freezes Small City's Assets in Electronic Bingo Crackdown
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has frozen all assets of the city of Lipscomb (population 2,086) over allegations of illegal electronic bingo operations. The freeze prevents any financial transactions, halting city employee payments and municipal services.
The action stems from Jay's Charity Bingo's operations within city limits. In September, authorities discovered stolen bingo terminals at the establishment still bearing Attorney General's Office evidence stickers from a previous raid in Selma.
Jay's Change-O-Matic Bingo gaming machine
Marshall's lawsuit alleges Lipscomb licensed Jay's Charity Bingo and continues receiving "illegal funding" from gambling operations. Five individuals connected to the establishment face third-degree burglary charges.
The financial freeze will remain until:
- City officials surrender all financial records to the state
- A court hearing scheduled for December 2
Mayor Tonja Baldwin expressed frustration, stating she's using personal funds for city obligations. This follows Alabama's Supreme Court October 2022 ruling that only traditional bingo games are legal in the state, not electronic versions.
The case highlights Marshall's ongoing campaign against electronic bingo, which he considers "a menace to public health, morals, safety, and welfare." This unprecedented action affects all municipal operations and resident services in Lipscomb, part of the Birmingham metropolitan area.
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