City of Lipscomb Faces Financial Crisis After Bingo Hall Shutdown

Lipscomb Alabama, a small town near Birmingham, is dealing with financial problems after state officials closed an electronic bingo hall and froze the city’s bank accounts. 

Mayor Expresses Frustration Following Shutdown of Jay’s Charity Bingo

The office of Attorney General Steve Marshall says Jay’s Charity Bingo took part in illegal gambling. This move means the city cannot pay its workers or handle basic costs, including wages for police and firefighters.

The bingo hall shut down after state investigators raided it, took machines, and called the place a public nuisance. Marshall’s office claims city officials allowed illegal gambling and made money from the hall’s operations. This is not the first time they have acted against the place — Jay’s Charity Bingo had opened again after a similar raid in August, reportedly using machines stolen from another spot under investigation.

Mayor Tonja Baldwin felt frustrated saying the city did not have anything to do with the bingo hall. With payday coming up and no money in the bank, she hopes the court hearing on December 2 will sort things out, reported WBRC. Baldwin also told residents not to worry saying the city is trying to fix the problem. She believes a higher power will help the community get through this tough time.

Lipscomb Residents Rally to Support City Workers Amid Bingo Hall Shutdown

People in charge and those living in the area have shown their backing for city workers. Sheila Tyson, a Jefferson County Commissioner, brought food to help out workers in need making sure they had what they needed during this tough time. Tyson made it clear she would stand by Lipscomb’s staff with the holidays coming up.

People in the community spoke up about how the freeze would hit their wallets. James Goston, a barber, slammed the shutdown. He said electronic bingo games are all over other parts of the state. He pointed out that these bingo halls were key to paying for city services, like police officers and keeping things in good shape.

Electronic bingo’s legal status has sparked debate in Alabama for years. Some local governments granted permits, but in 2022 the state’s Supreme Court decided paper-card bingo follows Alabama law. Critics say the laws are not enforced the same way everywhere, as similar operations keep running in other counties.

Marshall backs the crackdown saying electronic bingo puts public morals and safety at risk. But those against it point out the mess and unfairness caused by uneven enforcement. They also mention the considerable tax money and jobs these places bring in.