Compacts | Legislation

Poarch Creeks keep eye on lottery that could lead to Class III gaming

Friday, August 5, 2016

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians owns and operates the Wind Creek Montgomery in Montgomery, Alabama. Photo from Facebook

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians might finally get to offer Class III games in its own backyard.

The tribe has been restricted to Class II games because the state of Alabama refuses to negotiate a compact. But that could change if voters approve a proposed lottery amendment that was released by Gov. Robert Bentley (R) on Friday.

The amendment still has a long way to go before it can be put on a ballot. But in other states, lotteries have led to Class III gaming compacts.

"We support the governor's efforts to find a solution to the budget crisis, and we are committed to doing our part to help," Robert McGhee, the vice chair of the tribe, said in a statement to AL.Com before the proposal was released. "We believe a lottery that is highly regulated can play a role in easing the shortfall, but there are a myriad of considerations and details that must be addressed before any such plan can be structured and implemented."

Although the tribe has seen success with Class II games in Alabama, Poarch Creek leaders have been expanding their gaming operations to other states where Class III games are already allowed.

More on the Story:
Bentley details lottery plan (The Andalusia Star News 8/5)
Bentley releases proposed Alabama lottery amendment (The Montgomery Advertiser 8/5)
Gov. Robert Bentley releases legislation for Alabama lottery (AL.Com 8/5)
Will a lottery even pass Alabama legislature? It's complicated (AL.Com 8/2)