For over a decade, Alabama politicians have refused to create a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The tribe has several casinos in the state yet pays no tax revenue as there is no Tribal/State gambling compact. However, gambling is currently under discussion in the Alabama Statehouse and the tribe is trying to renew discussions on the subject.

The Poarch Band would like to have exclusive rights to operate gambling within Alabama or have the option of operating a new gaming site in the northern area of the state. The tribe has spoken out against a new proposal which would allow casinos to be placed in the dog tracks of the state.

The governmental relations advisor for the tribe, Robert McGhee, has stated that the drafted bill put forth to the senators would allow casinos at four, possibly even seven locations across Alabama and that is not good for the state. The tribe believes they have a better approach and want to be heard. The tribe would like to sit down and discuss their plans before the state goes down a road they may not be able to get back from.

Del Marsh, the Senate President Pro Tem, is trying to move forward with conversations of gambling as a source of revenue for the state. Senators were given a draft of a broad gaming bill this past weekend which would allow dog tracks in several areas to offer casino gaming as well as a state lottery proposal. Marsh created the bill based on a study conducted by Auburn University Montgomery which concluded that $400 million in state revenues could be created with casino gaming and lottery options.