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Country Crossing Fights to Keep Bingo
01/20/10 - 06:14 PM
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The gambling controversy at an Alabama bingo and country music complex could affect people in Northwest Florida.

Country Crossing employs over a thousand people.  Many of them Floridians driving over the state line to Dothan for work and play.

Employees and customers alike went to the Alabama State legislature to fight to keep their bingo hall in operation.

Kimberly McCullough cherishes her job at Country Crossing.  “There was 27,000 people denied a job.  I’ve never been so motivated to work in my life,” she said.  That’s why she and this bus load of people are heading to Montgomery to show their support of House Bill 154.

“This bill is going to allow regular operators in the state play on the same level that Native Americans play on in this state,” said Country Crossings spokesperson Doug Rainer.

Country Crossing has been the target of Alabama Governor Bob Riley’s tirade against gambling. He ordered an early morning raid to shut down the bingo hall earlier this month. 

“The way it is now and the way that Mr. Riley is trying to enforce things it’s like telling the Indians they can go ahead and own firearms but the rest of us are not allowed to own firearms,” said supporter Bob Krzyston.

A Houston County Judge stopped Riley’s actions but the governor says these machines are illegal and he wants to do something about it.  Country Crossing stands by the fact that their machines are Supreme Court approved.

“It’s really sad they’re taking the approach they are especially since we’ve asked them to come in numerous times to come in and be a part of our process of what we’re doing,” said Rainer.

Country Crossing has already created 1,300 jobs with their first phase of development.  They say in the next 5 years they plan to create 6,000 jobs with the new projects they have in the works.  They say those jobs aren’t just for people in Alabama but for people all over the region. 

“The panhandle of Florida has been a big draw for us and we’re going to continue to reach out,” said Rainer.

They’ve got big plans ahead with the support of country music superstars.  Randy Owen’s family water park is in the works.  They’ve already opened restaurants named after Lorrie Morgan and Darryl Worley.

“They want to be a part of what’s happening here because they believe in country music which is what country crossing is all about,” said Rainer.

But they say without the bingo, those plans wouldn’t become a reality.

All of the people who headed to Montgomery got their wish.  The bill passed in committee around 4 o’clock on Wednesday.