State instituted a civil-forfeiture proceeding, seeking forfeiture of items and currency seized during search of bingo gaming facility. Facility operator intervened. The Circuit Court entered judgment condemning 691 allegedly illegal gambling devices, $288,657.68 in cash, and various documents allegedly related to illegal gambling. Operator appealed.
The Supreme Court of Alabama held that:
- Game played on electronic machines was not the game commonly or traditionally known as “bingo,” permitted by amendments excepting bingo from the general constitutional prohibition on lotteries;
- Table game combining elements of roulette and bingo was not the game commonly or traditionally known as “bingo”;
- Prior bond-validation proceeding was not conclusive as to the legality of particular gaming machines; and
- Evidence supported forfeiture of currency and gambling records.