The Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Wetumpka, Alabama. Photo from Facebook
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians might use its trust land in Florida for a marijuana operation unless the state agrees to a Class III gaming compact, the Associated Press reports. The tribe hasn't made a decision either way on marijuana. But Chairwoman Stephanie Bryan is hoping to gain some leverage because Gov. Rick Scott (R) hasn't agreed to negotiate. "We are entitled to negotiate a compact with the state," Bryan told the AP. "We have 642 tribal members living throughout the state of Florida. We are asking Gov. Scott to acknowledge we are a federally recognized tribe."
View Larger Map: Poarch Creek Potential Casino Site in Nokomis, Florida
The tribe owns a one-acre site in Nokomis, Florida, less than 20 miles from tribal headquarters in Atmore, Alabama. The land was placed in trust in 1984 so it presumably qualifies under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Scott, however, won't come to the table because he believes the tribe needs an additional determination from the federal government. The tribe operates Class II facilities in Alabama. Current and prior governors have refused to negotiate a Class III compact, Get the Story:
Poarch Creeks may make Fla. decide between casinos, pot (AP 2/20)
Pot luck: Poarch Creek might do well to gamble on marijuana (AL.Com 1/27) Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)
Related Stories
Alabama governor
won't enter gaming deal with Poarch Creeks (02/12) Opinion: Poarch Creeks qualify for Class III gaming in Florida (4/17)
Poarch Creeks seek Class III casino just across border in Florida (4/9)
Poarch Band of Creek Indians seeks gaming compact in Florida (4/8)
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