MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Gambling issues take center stage at the
Legislature this week.

The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee and the House Tourism
and Travel Committee have a joint meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday to
consider constitutional amendments that would permit electronic
bingo at 10 locations in the state.

Then at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee
will consider a bill by Democratic Sen. Bobby Singleton that would
block the governor from initiating criminal investigations.

An investigation by Gov. Bob Riley's Task Force on Illegal
Gambling has prompted large electronic bingo casinos to close in
Houston, Macon and Lowndes counties. About 15 smaller gambling
halls in Jefferson County have also shut down.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)