As the state of Alabama faces a projected deficit of 0 million, several factions are calling upon Governor Robert Bentley to start compact negotiations with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The tribe has no obligation to enter into a compact even if the state proposed one. But the governor’s office is being urged to at least come up with an estimate of how much revenue a compact with the tribe could generate for the state.
Currently the Poarch Band, the state’s only federally recognized tribe, successfully operates three Class II gambling operations: Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore; Creek Casino Wetumpka; and Creek Casino Montgomery. The tribe does not pay any share of gaming revenues to the state. As a result, in order to agree to a compact, the state would have to offer something in exchange for a specified share of the tribe’s gaming revenues. That could include exclusivity for Poarch Band casinos, and/or allowing them to offer Class III gaming, which includes table games.
A Poarch Creek spokesman earlier cited concerns about the increased costs of adding staff and security associated with Class III operations. However, the tribe left the door open for talks, and earlier, Bentley said “everything is on the table” in light of Alabama’s huge budget deficit.
