By PHILLIP RAWLS
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The owner of what was once one of the largest gambling venues in the U.S. walked free in Alabama after a federal jury didn’t convict anyone in a closely watched trial accusing politicians of taking bribes to legalize gambling.
That doesn’t mean Milton McGregor and his huge VictoryLand casino is back in business. He could still face a retrial on some charges. And the political climate that helped shut down his and other private casinos won’t change soon, experts and state leaders say.
Meanwhile, the federally controlled American Indian gambling halls that have soaked up their business are here to stay.