Tribe pushes for gambling in Alabama

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians tribe proposed to buy gambling rights in Alabama to gain exclusivity through a gaming compact.

US.- The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the only federally recognised tribe in Alabama, is pushing for casino gambling. They proposed the state to sign a gaming compact that’d give them exclusive gaming rights in the state.

The Alabama tribe is trying to inform citizens with “true and accurate information” about PCI and their gaming revenue and expenditures. That way, through an ad campaign, they seek support to get the much-desired agreement.

Under its proposal, they’d pay the state US$225 million “for exclusive gaming rights in the State through a compact.” Furthermore, they proposed “two additional first-class gaming and tourism destination sites with unlimited gaming.”

The tribe

Recently, the tribe has voiced its support for Alabama and its economic development.

They have presence all across the US but say that wouldn’t be possible without its success in the Alabama market. The PBCI remains committed to a long-standing offer to negotiate a compact with Alabama’s Governor.

“For more than forty years, we have suggested options to both the Governor and state legislators,” they said. “Most recently, we have proposed detailed plans that include us working with the state to provide more than a billion dollars in new revenues to Alabama.”

Lottery in Alabama

Alabama remains one of five states without a lottery, and Mississippi is set to take advantage of it. The Mississippi Lottery will launch scratch-off ticket sales and officials expect their neighbours to test their luck.

The lottery bill passed in September and expects to get West Alabama residents to leave their money in the state.

“Our director of advertising will determine which markets we have a presence in,” Mississippi Lottery Corporation spokeswoman Meg Annison said.

“It’s coming close to home, they [lottery players] won’t have to go as far,” Annison said. “In Mississippi, depending on which retailers qualify, they can go around the corner.”

Powerball and Mega Millions games will also arrive, with the expected date being early 2020.

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