The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama won't give up efforts to operate Class III games.

The tribe has tried to negotiate a Class III compact with the state. But Gov. Bob Riley (R) and his predecessor refused to deal.

So the tribe turned to the Interior Department for help. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the Bureau of Indian Affairs can issue rules for Class III gaming.

But the tribe hasn't heard back after two years. "We have a secretarial procedure request in that this secretary has not seen fit to act on," said Tim Martin, the president and CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises, The Mobile Register reported.

The tribe is only allowed to operate the same type of games that are already legal in the state.

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Alabama Creeks seek 'level playing field' for gambling (The Mobile Register 5/10)