Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has frozen the assets of Lipscomb, a city of 2,086 residents, over allegations of illegal bingo operations. The freeze prevents all financial transactions, halting city services and employee payments.

The action stems from Jay's Charity Bingo's operations within city limits. In September, authorities discovered stolen bingo terminals at the establishment, still bearing Attorney General's Office evidence stickers from a previous raid in Selma.

Marshall's lawsuit claims Lipscomb licensed Jay's Charity Bingo and received illegal funding from gambling activities. Mayor Tonja Baldwin reports using personal funds to maintain basic city operations during the freeze.

The case highlights ongoing tensions over electronic bingo in Alabama. While operators previously claimed their machines were legal, the state Supreme Court ruled in October 2022 that only traditional bingo games are permitted. Marshall's office began strict enforcement following this ruling.

Five individuals connected to Jay's Charity Bingo face third-degree burglary charges for possessing the stolen machines. The assets will remain frozen until a December 2 court hearing, where city officials must provide all financial records to the state.

The establishment's brazen use of stolen machines with evidence stickers demonstrates the extent of illegal gambling operations in the state, according to Marshall, who considers electronic bingo "a menace to public health, morals, safety, and welfare."

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