Alabama governor cool to idea of Poarch Creek casino compact


The Wind Creek Wetumpka gaming facility in Wetumpka, Alabama. Photo from Facebook

Lawmakers in Alabama are open to a Class III gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians but Gov. Robert Bentley (R) is throwing cold water on the idea.

Lawmakers say a compact will give the state a cut of gaming revenues. The tribe has been trying to negotiate a deal for at least 20 years.

Bentley, however, wouldn't say whether he would come to the table. He pointed to a lawsuit filed by attorney general Luther Strange (R), who claims the tribe's gaming facilities are not located on Indian land.

"Before we even talk about Indian gaming, I think we need to let that play out in court," Bentley told the AP.

Bentley asked lawmakers to come up with ideas to address the state's budget problems.

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Some lawmakers open to idea of gambling compact (AP 8/17)

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