Editorial: Creek war continues with fight against tribal casinos

The Poarch Creeks became a federally protected tribe in 1984, which means that their land is not subject to state jurisdiction.

Or is it?

This is the question that will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court because Alabama, once again, wants the tribe under its control.

Why? Because the state of Alabama wants to close the Indian casinos where it contends illegal gambling is taking place.

The Indian casinos operate electronic bingo machines. Alabama, in the person of Attorney General Luther Strange, argues that these are really slot machines, which are illegal under both state and federal law.

The Poarch Creeks argue that they are not slot machines. Therefore what the tribe is doing is legal under federal law and the state of Alabama has no jurisdiction.