Elections are a necessary part of democratic politics and mean changes that reflect on the wishes of those who are governed. In the great state of Alabama, the upcoming elections may be decided based on whether or not residents would like the controversial gambling industry to be legalized.

ABC News: Political Minute : April 27th

The two Democrats vying for a spot in November’s gubernatorial election are giving voters more information on some hot button issues.

One of the main issues of the election is gambling. At his news conference, Sparks said that as governor, he’d immediately call a special session of the legislature. He’d propose a constitutional amendment to tax, regulate and expand gambling. Davis said he’d prefer to let the people vote on the issue, instead of law-makers.

NBC News: Davis, Sparks show differences for Alabama governor

Democratic candidates for Alabama governor, Artur Davis and Ron Sparks, are drawing sharp differences on the issues of gambling and Alabama’s constitution.

At news conferences Tuesday in Montgomery, Davis said he’s the only candidate in the governor’s race who favors a constitutional convention to rewrite Alabama’s 1901 Constitution. Sparks says he favors doing it article by article in the Legislature.

Sparks says that if elected, he will call a special session immediately after the inauguration to get the Legislature to propose a constitutional amendment to tax, regulate and expand gambling. Davis says he favors a straight up or down referendum on whether voters want electronic bingo.

Al.com: Gambling, constitutional reform divide Artur Davis, Ron Sparks

The Democratic candidates for governor in Alabama, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, have sharp differences for voters to examine about gambling and Alabama’s constitution.

At news conferences Tuesday in the Capitol complex, Davis said he favors a constitutional convention to rewrite Alabama’s 1901 constitution. If elected, he’d form a commission to recommend ways the Legislature should rewrite the constitution article by article.

Sparks said that if elected, he would immediately get started on legislation to tax, regulate and expand gambling in Alabama. Sparks said he’s open to a referendum either on electronic bingo or on full-fledged casinos like those that can be found in Mississippi.

Davis said he would support the Legislature approving a straight up or down referendum on whether Alabama voters want electronic bingo. He favors a proposed constitutional amendment that would not ensure electronic bingo casinos for anyone if it passes.

Alabama has several electronic bingo casinos now, with some operating and some closed. The Governor’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling is trying to shut them all.

Elections are a necessary part of democratic politics and mean changes that reflect on the wishes of those who are governed. In the great state of Alabama, the upcoming elections may be decided based on whether or not residents would like the controversial gambling industry to be legalized.

ABC News: Political Minute : April 27th

The two Democrats vying for a spot in November’s gubernatorial election are giving voters more information on some hot button issues.

One of the main issues of the election is gambling. At his news conference, Sparks said that as governor, he’d immediately call a special session of the legislature. He’d propose a constitutional amendment to tax, regulate and expand gambling. Davis said he’d prefer to let the people vote on the issue, instead of law-makers.

NBC News: Davis, Sparks show differences for Alabama governor

Democratic candidates for Alabama governor, Artur Davis and Ron Sparks, are drawing sharp differences on the issues of gambling and Alabama’s constitution.

At news conferences Tuesday in Montgomery, Davis said he’s the only candidate in the governor’s race who favors a constitutional convention to rewrite Alabama’s 1901 Constitution. Sparks says he favors doing it article by article in the Legislature.

Sparks says that if elected, he will call a special session immediately after the inauguration to get the Legislature to propose a constitutional amendment to tax, regulate and expand gambling. Davis says he favors a straight up or down referendum on whether voters want electronic bingo.

Al.com: Gambling, constitutional reform divide Artur Davis, Ron Sparks

The Democratic candidates for governor in Alabama, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, have sharp differences for voters to examine about gambling and Alabama’s constitution.

At news conferences Tuesday in the Capitol complex, Davis said he favors a constitutional convention to rewrite Alabama’s 1901 constitution. If elected, he’d form a commission to recommend ways the Legislature should rewrite the constitution article by article.

Sparks said that if elected, he would immediately get started on legislation to tax, regulate and expand gambling in Alabama. Sparks said he’s open to a referendum either on electronic bingo or on full-fledged casinos like those that can be found in Mississippi.

Davis said he would support the Legislature approving a straight up or down referendum on whether Alabama voters want electronic bingo. He favors a proposed constitutional amendment that would not ensure electronic bingo casinos for anyone if it passes.

Alabama has several electronic bingo casinos now, with some operating and some closed. The Governor’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling is trying to shut them all.

Four different casinos were raided on Monday by undercover police officers and their finding was a bit surprising. The disguised internet cafes offered casino-style games and failed to mention the undercover officers could use the internet. Over $22,000 in cash was seized as well as over 120 computers.

The Roanoke Times: Internet cafe raids netted computers, cash

Investigators raided 4 Roanoke County Internet cafes which allegedly harbored illegal gambling. Cash and computers were hauled away along with a pot of winnings from undercover gaming that officers used to build their case.

Some variation of gambling was going on at each of the 4 so called “internet cafes” and officers took a total of $22,580 in cash and 126 computers among other things.

At Bennett’s Internet, customers paid $6 per hour of online access, and got a card that enabled them to play 18 casino-style games until the points on the card ran out, or until the customer bought more Internet time and got more points. Players could win up to $3,000 but winners and losers were predetermined based on the card they bought.

Virginia’s General Assembly’s upcoming veto session may see the approval of legislation that will clarify the application of current anti-gambling statutes.

WDBJ 7: What police seized in “internet cafe” raids

Roanoke County police have cashed in their chips on last week’s gaming parlor raids. Search warrant returns indicate that police seized more than 100 computers from the four “Internet cafes” that were raided on Thursday.

Documents filed Monday indicate the undercover investigation began at Bennett’s Internet on September 3 of last year. The store’s owner claims that he was only selling internet time, at $6 and hour, and a chance to win sweepstakes. County detectives say there was no mention of the internet when they went in, undercover, only casino slots and card games.

The combined take from the four locations adds up to more than $22,000 in cash plus a total of 122 computers.

NBC News: Roanoke Co. Police detail reasons why they raided four Internet cafes

Four internet cafes in Roanoke County are at the center of a big investigation involving illegal gambling and money laundering. Search warrants were granted and an undercover operation was executed on Monday.

At the first business, a detective started with $20, played casino-style games and eventually won $82. At another business, an attendant made the detective sign a document explaining he was purchasing internet time and would be given free entries into a sweepstakes. The detective starting playing with $100 and left with only $13.

After a year-long investigation, police finally went in last week. This time they weren’t undercover. Over 120-computers, well over $22,000 and game cards were seized in the raid.

None of the business owners have been charged, but I spoke with two of them who maintain they were running a legitimate business and plan to fight the case.

Police are sifting through all the items taken from the internet cafes.

They say the investigation could take up to several weeks.

Four different casinos were raided on Monday by undercover police officers and their finding was a bit surprising. The disguised internet cafes offered casino-style games and failed to mention the undercover officers could use the internet. Over $22,000 in cash was seized as well as over 120 computers.

The Roanoke Times: Internet cafe raids netted computers, cash

Investigators raided 4 Roanoke County Internet cafes which allegedly harbored illegal gambling. Cash and computers were hauled away along with a pot of winnings from undercover gaming that officers used to build their case.

Some variation of gambling was going on at each of the 4 so called “internet cafes” and officers took a total of $22,580 in cash and 126 computers among other things.

At Bennett’s Internet, customers paid $6 per hour of online access, and got a card that enabled them to play 18 casino-style games until the points on the card ran out, or until the customer bought more Internet time and got more points. Players could win up to $3,000 but winners and losers were predetermined based on the card they bought.

Virginia’s General Assembly’s upcoming veto session may see the approval of legislation that will clarify the application of current anti-gambling statutes.

WDBJ 7: What police seized in “internet cafe” raids

Roanoke County police have cashed in their chips on last week’s gaming parlor raids. Search warrant returns indicate that police seized more than 100 computers from the four “Internet cafes” that were raided on Thursday.

Documents filed Monday indicate the undercover investigation began at Bennett’s Internet on September 3 of last year. The store’s owner claims that he was only selling internet time, at $6 and hour, and a chance to win sweepstakes. County detectives say there was no mention of the internet when they went in, undercover, only casino slots and card games.

The combined take from the four locations adds up to more than $22,000 in cash plus a total of 122 computers.

NBC News: Roanoke Co. Police detail reasons why they raided four Internet cafes

Four internet cafes in Roanoke County are at the center of a big investigation involving illegal gambling and money laundering. Search warrants were granted and an undercover operation was executed on Monday.

At the first business, a detective started with $20, played casino-style games and eventually won $82. At another business, an attendant made the detective sign a document explaining he was purchasing internet time and would be given free entries into a sweepstakes. The detective starting playing with $100 and left with only $13.

After a year-long investigation, police finally went in last week. This time they weren’t undercover. Over 120-computers, well over $22,000 and game cards were seized in the raid.

None of the business owners have been charged, but I spoke with two of them who maintain they were running a legitimate business and plan to fight the case.

Police are sifting through all the items taken from the internet cafes.

They say the investigation could take up to several weeks.

A Milwaukee Man, Roberto Ruiz, has been charged with robbing three banks and stealing a total of $17,000. He may be charged for robbing another four that he apparently admitted to in a criminal complaint. His most recent robbery was executed on Wednesday so that he wouldn’t have to explain to his wife that he lost $3,000 gambling.

Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee man charged with robbing 3 banks of $17,000, allegedly admits to 4 other hold-ups

A Milwaukee man is accused of robbing three banks and making off with about $17,000.
Roberto Ruiz, 35, was charged three felony counts of robbing a financial institution on Saturday. Ruiz’s bail was set at a high $100,000 by the judge.

According to prosecutors has Ruiz robbed at least three banks since last December. The criminal complaint says he admitted to four other robberies since October in which he allegedly took over $13,000.

Ruiz told investigators that he attempted to rob a bank on Wednesday because he had just lost $3,000 at a casino and didn’t want his wife to find out. The complaint also states that he was caught after tellers gave police a description of his getaway vehicle and license plate.

NBC News: Father Suspected In Seven Bank Robberies

St. Patrick’s Day proved unlucky for a suspected bank robber who was caught after robbing the Bank Mutual at 2847 S. Howell Avenue on March 17th. Police now believe the same man is responsible for a total of seven Milwaukee County bank robberies.

Ruiz, a mechanic and father of three, apparently kept his alleged crimes secret from his wife and children. According to recently filed charges, Ruiz told detectives he started stealing in October of 2009. He robbed the U.S. Bank at 4333 S. 27th Street to feed a gambling habit.

This month, Ruiz says he squandered his family’s $3,000 tax refund at Potawatomi Bingo Casino. He told police that he was so embarrassed that he robbed the last bank to avoid telling his wife how he lost the money. He now faces charges with a combined maximum sentence of 120 years.

Police recovered most of the stolen money from the final robbery, but say cash from the other robberies has likely already been lost at the casino.

WTAQ News Talk: Milwaukee Man May Get More Charges For Bank Robberies

Roberto Ruiz of Milwaukee is due back in court in a week for allegedly robbing 3 banks of $17,000. Ruiz, 35, is facing 3 state felony charges. He appeared in court on Sunday where a judge set bail at $100,000.

The 3 alleged robberies occurred since December of 2009. Ruiz told police he robbed one of the banks Wednesday because he didn’t want his wife to figure out that he had lost $3,000 while gambling at a casino.

Tellers spotted Ruiz’s get-away car and gave police a description and license plate number. Prosecutors say he admitted to robbing 4 other banks since last October. At his next court appearance, a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to order a trial for the 3 latest hold-ups.

A Milwaukee Man, Roberto Ruiz, has been charged with robbing three banks and stealing a total of $17,000. He may be charged for robbing another four that he apparently admitted to in a criminal complaint. His most recent robbery was executed on Wednesday so that he wouldn’t have to explain to his wife that he lost $3,000 gambling.

Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee man charged with robbing 3 banks of $17,000, allegedly admits to 4 other hold-ups

A Milwaukee man is accused of robbing three banks and making off with about $17,000.
Roberto Ruiz, 35, was charged three felony counts of robbing a financial institution on Saturday. Ruiz’s bail was set at a high $100,000 by the judge.

According to prosecutors has Ruiz robbed at least three banks since last December. The criminal complaint says he admitted to four other robberies since October in which he allegedly took over $13,000.

Ruiz told investigators that he attempted to rob a bank on Wednesday because he had just lost $3,000 at a casino and didn’t want his wife to find out. The complaint also states that he was caught after tellers gave police a description of his getaway vehicle and license plate.

NBC News: Father Suspected In Seven Bank Robberies

St. Patrick’s Day proved unlucky for a suspected bank robber who was caught after robbing the Bank Mutual at 2847 S. Howell Avenue on March 17th. Police now believe the same man is responsible for a total of seven Milwaukee County bank robberies.

Ruiz, a mechanic and father of three, apparently kept his alleged crimes secret from his wife and children. According to recently filed charges, Ruiz told detectives he started stealing in October of 2009. He robbed the U.S. Bank at 4333 S. 27th Street to feed a gambling habit.

This month, Ruiz says he squandered his family’s $3,000 tax refund at Potawatomi Bingo Casino. He told police that he was so embarrassed that he robbed the last bank to avoid telling his wife how he lost the money. He now faces charges with a combined maximum sentence of 120 years.

Police recovered most of the stolen money from the final robbery, but say cash from the other robberies has likely already been lost at the casino.

WTAQ News Talk: Milwaukee Man May Get More Charges For Bank Robberies

Roberto Ruiz of Milwaukee is due back in court in a week for allegedly robbing 3 banks of $17,000. Ruiz, 35, is facing 3 state felony charges. He appeared in court on Sunday where a judge set bail at $100,000.

The 3 alleged robberies occurred since December of 2009. Ruiz told police he robbed one of the banks Wednesday because he didn’t want his wife to figure out that he had lost $3,000 while gambling at a casino.

Tellers spotted Ruiz’s get-away car and gave police a description and license plate number. Prosecutors say he admitted to robbing 4 other banks since last October. At his next court appearance, a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to order a trial for the 3 latest hold-ups.