The Wind Creek Wetumpka gaming facility in Wetumpka, Alabama. Photo from Facebook
Writer says the Poarch Band of Creek Indians are no longer "begging" the state to enter into Class III gaming compact negotiations:
In a meeting room at the Poarch Creek Indians’ Wind Creek Casino and Resort near Atmore Friday, tribal leaders talked to a group of newspaper editors and publishers about their history and their goals. For decades, the generations of leaders who preceded these two smart young people begged a string of Alabama governors to negotiate a compact that would allow them to build a casino similar to the one they now operate. Such an agreement would have allowed the Indian tribe to get into gaming long before it did, and would have provided tax dollars to the state as a result. No more, said Tribal Chairwoman Stephanie Bryan and vice chairman Robert McGhee. Back in the begging days, the Native Americans operated a paper bingo facility near the I-65. These days, electronic bingo games that look and feel like slot machines are among the amenities that lure visitors to their facilities in Atmore and Wetumpka. Their upscale rooms, spa and cooking school are designed to attract women in the 50-plus set. The adjacent bowling alley, multi-screen theater, and arcade mean the family can come along, too.Get the Story:
Michele Gerlach: Will Bentley roll dice for state? (The Andalusia Star News 11/22) Another Opinion:
Editorial: Alabama Supreme Court: That's not bingo (The Dothan Eagle 11/23) Also Today:
Alabama Supreme Court says no to electronic bingo (AP 11/21) Alabama Supreme Court Decision:
Houston County Economic Development Authority v. State of Alabama (November 21, 2014) Related Stories:
Opinion: Poarch Creek gaming deal won't help state's economy (11/20)
Poarch Creeks waiting on state to start Class III gaming talks (11/14)
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