MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The commander of the governor’s gambling task force, John Tyson, says the closure of Victoryland casino appears designed to prevent a raid.

Tyson says Victoryland apparently expects to lose a state Supreme Court case over whether the task force can raid the casino. He says the task force could seize electronic bingo machines even with Victoryland closed, but the seizure would have to be done lawfully and carefully.

Victoryland closed early Monday, putting about 600 people out of work. Owner Milton McGregor says the closure is temporary and is due to the “legal shenanigans and threats” from the governor and Tyson.