State officials in Alabama are working to shut down "illegal" gaming in the state.  Why the quotes?  Because they're also targeting tribal casinos operating Class II electronic bingo machines, which the state charges are illegal slot machines.  Governor Bob Riley formed the high-profile and troubled Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling in 2008.  Just last month, the Task Force's "commander," David Barber, resigned from his post after he got lucky in the Mississippi Choctaw's tribal casino, winning $2300.  Barber's outing as a gambler once again brought to the fore charges that Riley himself has accepted political donations from Mississippi tribes with casinos, a charge the governor denies.  After Barber's resignation, Riley appointed long-time Mobile district attorney John Tyson as the new commander.  Tyson acknowledges that he received donations from gambling interests in his unsuccessful bid for state attorney general in 2006.

This week, Tyson made clear his intent to shut down all "illegal" gambling in Alabama, including the Class II machines operated by Poarch Creek Indian gaming.  "They're in play," said Tyson of the tribe's gaming machines.  This despite the clear message from the NIGC that as long as Alabama allows bingo, tribal casinos can operate Class II gaming, including electronic bingo.

Tyson, however, apparently has a different take on federal law.  He said he thought the Task Force would be able to shut down tribal machines if it shut down similar machines in commercial casinos.

Read more about the Task Force on Illegal Gambling:

2 Casinos in State Temporarily Close Doors

Governor's Task Force Chief Resigns Over Gambling Winnings