Daily Outrage: FBI nabs Alabama casino bosses, senators, lobbyists

WHAT: The FBI arrested the owner of Alabama’s largest casino, four state senators and several lobbyists on federal charges of conspiring to buy and sell votes for millions of dollars in a failed push to get electronic bingo legalized in the state.

HOW: One lobbyist pleaded guilty to offering $2 million for the vote of an indicted senator. Lawmakers allegedly solicited fees of $100,000 or more. The indictment said casinos offered campaign help such as concerts by country stars.

WHY: Electronic bingo casinos operated in Alabama for several years until Gov. Bob Riley labeled the machines illegal slots and organized a task force to close them down.

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