On Friday Alabama’s high court ruled electronic bingo machines at Whitehall Gaming in Lowndes County and Victoryland Casino in Macon County are illegal.

The decision could lead to the closure of both facilities, but in Macon County, where the casino benefits the local government and school system, community leaders are fighting back.

“I’m very disappointed with the decision that they made,” said Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson.

Brunson and Tuskegee Mayor Tony Haygood were among about a dozen people Monday who gathered to express their concerns after the court’s decision to end gambling operations in their community. “Victoryland provides employment, it provides economic development in this community and has for some time,” said Haygood.