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Sweet Home Alabama Bill – Questions and Answers

April 2, 2009

As the house and senate versions of the Sweet Alabama Bill become ready for a vote by the full legislature, many questions are being asked by voters. Here are some of the questions and their answers:

How many people are employed by the legal gaming operations in Alabama ?
Over 5,000

If the Sweet Home Alabama bill passes, how much will electronic bingo operators be taxed?
The tax rate in Walker, Jefferson, Mobile, Etowah and Calhoun Counties will be 20 percent. Due to existing capital and contractual commitments, the tax rate in Greene, Houston, Lowndes and Macon Counties will be 10 percent for the first five years and 20 percent.

How much tax revenue will it generate?
The legislative fiscal office estimates the annual tax revenues to exceed $200 million.

Where are the existing Alabama bingo locations?

• Macon County : One location - Opened in 2003, Permit was issued by county sheriff.
• Lowndes County : One location - Opened in 2004; Additional facility currently under construction, Permit was issued by the Bingo Commission
• Greene County : One location - Opened in 2004; One facility is currently under construction, Permit was issued by county sheriff.
• Escambia County : One location (Poarch Creek); Established in 1985, added electronic bingo in 2002; recently constructed new facility.
• Elmore County : One location(Poarch Creek); opened 2002
• Montgomery County : One location(Poarch Creek); opened 2002
• Walker County : Twenty or more locations; many opened in 2007-2008
Permits were issued by county sheriff.

How many electronic bingo halls in Alabama are owned by Native Americans?
There are three facilities located near Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery.

Are Indian bingo locations required to give a portion of proceeds to charity?
No. State law does not govern the use of their proceeds from bingo operations. Also, Native American facilities are exempt from state and local taxes.

Are electronic bingo machines allowed under the National Indian Gaming Commission regulations?
Yes. All forms of bingo are allowed at Native American facilities if any form of bingo is allowed anywhere in Alabama .

If the Sweet Home Alabama bill fails to pass, will Indian-owned casinos still have electronic bingo machines?
Yes, for the same reason. All forms of bingo are allowed at Native American facilities if any form of bingo is allowed anywhere in Alabama .

Why is a $50 million investment required in an electronic bingo location?
The purpose is to promote tourism by creating entertainment destinations with restaurants, retail centers, and amusement facilities.

Return to Alabama Casinos.

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