Alabama tribe pushes for gambling deal

The Poarch Creek Indians, an Alabama tribe, want to get a gambling deal to develop two casinos in the state.

The US.- As neighbouring states thrive on the industry, an Alabama tribe seeks a gambling deal. The Poarch Creek Indians proposed to funnel US$1 billion to state coffers in exchange for two casinos.

The group wants to get the two venues with table games and roulette. However, it wants exclusive rights and be the only Alabama tribe to take advantage of gambling.

“Once you pass a constitutional amendment, you can’t say the Poarch Creek Indians get the casino. You’ve got to have a process where you give anyone an opportunity. If someone from Las Vegas wanted to build one in Huntsville, they’d have the same opportunities,” said Former Alabama state Sen. Gerald Dial.

Lottery push

Alabama could soon feature an education lottery thanks to a lawmaker that wants to propose an amendment to the state’s constitution. He aims for citizens to have a say when they vote in November.

Representative Steve Clouse wants half of the proceeds to go to Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program. The other half would go to college-based scholarships, just as an existing model from Tennessee.

“I think the general sentiment in the House, and I think the general sentiment around the state, is that it needs to be dedicated to education,” Clouse said. “I think our constituents want a chance to vote on a lottery proposal that does not include video lottery terminals,” the lawmaker added.

The proposal would legalise paper lotteries,scratch-offs and multi-state lotteries. The lottery would generate US$167 million in proceeds annually.