Alabama Casinos | Updates 2022

Alabama has three Indian gaming casinos. Each casino is owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama, which is the only federally-recognized tribe in the state. The Poarch Indian casinos are managed under the tribe's Wind Creek Hospitality company.

The Alabama Indian casinos are Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Montgomery and Wind Creek Wetumpka. All three operate under Class II gaming rules established by the Indian Gaming Reulatory Act of 1988.

The legal gambling age in Alabama is 18 years old.

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News Headlines

Alabama gaming bill returns to state legislature March 16, 2022 - The Alabama Senate is again taking up a gambling bill that would give voters the opportunity to decide whether to legalize casino gambling and a lottery. Last week the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee ... Read more Alabama gambling legislation will be reintroduced in 2022 session January 2, 2022 - Renewed efforts to place a state gambling referendum on next November's ballot will begin when the Alabama's new legislative session begins Jan. 11. A voter referendum is required ... Read more Alabama House stops gambling legislation May 16, 2021 - Alabama House of Representatives recessed last week before taking up the three-bill package for a lottery, six new casinos, and sports betting. The non-action effectively kills the gambling bills ... Read more Alabama Senate passes Casino, Sports Betting and Lottery Bill April 18, 2021 - The Alabama Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill on Tuesday that would legalize casinos, sports betting and a lottery. If approved, the voters in Alabama would make the final decision ... Read more More Headlines ...

Alabama Minimum Gambling Age

Minimum gambling ages are 21 years old for casinos, 21 for poker, 18 for bingo, 18 horse racing

Alabama Indian Casinos

Click the casino name for detailed information about the casino including games offered, restaurants, entertainment and hotels.

Wind Creek Montgomery (info)
1801 Eddie Tullis Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36117
(888) 7SAY WIN
(334) 273-9003

Wind Creek Wetumpka (info)
100 River Oaks Drive
Wetumpka, Alabama 36092-3084
(866) WIND-360

Wind Creek Atmore (info)
303 Poarch Road
Atmore, Alabama 36502
(888) 7SAY WIN
251-446-4200

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The Wind Creek Casinos are owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama and operated by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming subsidiary of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Poarch Band of Creek Indians
5811 Jack Springs Road
Atmore AL 36502
Phone Number: (251) 368-9136

Wind Creek Hospitality
303 Poarch Road, Atmore, AL 36502
Phone Number: (866) 946-3360

News Articles

Alabama gaming bill returns to state legislature

March 16, 2022

The Alabama Senate is again taking up a gambling bill that would give voters the opportunity to decide whether to legalize casino gambling and a lottery. Earlier this month the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee passed the bill, which now goes to the Senate floor where a similar bill passed last year.

Alabama Gambling Bill at Legislature - Courtesy of WHNT News 19, Mar 9, 2022. Available from YouTube

BILL SUMMARY
The gambling bill proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the following gambling activities:

• State lottery

• Sports betting

• Eight casinos would be licensed. Vegas-style gambling would be approved for slot machines and table games.

  Four casinos would be authorized for existing dog tracks in Greene, Jefferson, Macon, and Mobile counties.

  Four casinos would be authorized to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. This would include the three existing tribal casinos plus a new location in either DeKalb County or Jackson County.

• Two satellite casinos with up to 300 slot machines each would be licensed in Houston and Lowndes counties.

A constitutional amendment must be approved by three-fifths of state lawmakers followed by a approval by a majority of state voters.

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Alabama gambling legislation will be reintroduced in 2022 session

January 2, 2022

Renewed efforts to place a state gambling referendum on next November's ballot will begin when the Alabama's new legislative session begins Jan. 11. A voter referendum is required to approve a constitutional amendment that extends gambling throughout the state.

Alabama lawmaker plans another try at state gambling bill - Courtesy of FOX10 News, Dec 21, 2021. Available from YouTube

Sen. Greg Albritton (R) of Range is preparing to introduce legislation for a constitutional amendment authorizing a state lottery, a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and additional gaming sites. Last year the state senate approved a similar proposal to establish a state lottery and license nine casino sites across the state. That bill stalled in the House.

The outlook for 2022 is uncertain. One key reason are the May primaries. The gambling issue could be controversial to the reelection of some legislators, and the primary elections themselves will take time away from the regular legislative session.

Rep. Steve Clouse (R), chairman of the House general fund budget committee, said "I would be very surprised if it would pass in a regular session in an election year."

Back    Full Page > Alabama Casinos | Updates 2022

Alabama House stops gambling legislation

May 16, 2021

Alabama House of Representatives recessed last week before taking up the three-bill package for a lottery, six new casinos, and sports betting. The non-action effectively kills the gambling bills in this legislative session.

The proposed expansion and regulation of gambling in Alabama requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment. The House needed to pass the legislation with a three-fifths vote to place it before voters in the November 2022 election.

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Alabama voters 'deserve to have their voice heard' on gaming - Poarch Creek Indians

May 10, 2021

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians praised the Alabama Senate last week for passing a controversial bill for a constitutional amendment that requires voter approval for casino gambling, a lottery and sportsbooks.

Chair and CEO of the Poarch Creek Indians, Stephanie A. Bryan, said in a statement:

"I want to thank Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, along with Senators Albritton, Marsh, and McClendon, and everyone who contributed to this effort in the Senate. This historic vote is the first step to empower Alabamians who deserve to have their voice heard on this issue."

The gaming bill will next be voted on in the state house . If passed, the governor has says she will sign it.

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Alabama Senate passes Casino, Sports Betting and Lottery Bill

April 18, 2021

The Alabama Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill on Tuesday that would legalize casinos, sports betting and a lottery. The vote comes five weeks after a similar bill failed in the Senate.

The bill now goes to the House. If approved and signed by the Governor, the voters in Alabama would make the final decision in a 2022 ballot referendum. Alabama's 2021 legislative session ends next month

CASINOS

Poarch Band of Creek Indians will be able to negotiate a gaming compact with the state to add table games and to upgrade electronic bingo-style machines to Vegas-style slots. The Poarch Indians own the Wind Creek Casinos located in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka.

The bill establishes the Alabama Gaming Commission to review and license casino applicants. Ten-year licenses will be issued for $5M-$35M depending on population areas.

Six commercial casino licenses will be issued. Priority will be given to four greyhound racetracks in Mobile, Birmingham, Greene County, and Macon County, and to one bingo center in Houston County. The sixth license will be issued for a new casino in either Dekalb County or Jackson County. The Poarch Indians are expected to bid for this license.

SPORTS BETTING

The minimum age for sports betting is 21 years. Bets can be placed on professional sports teams and in-state and out-of-state college teams.

The three Indian gaming casinos and the six commercial casinos can apply for sportsbook licenses. The Poarch Indians can offer online sports betting.

Alabama sportsbooks will be taxed 20 percent of gross revenues.

LOTTERY

The bill creates a state lottery. Currently 45 states operate lotteries. Tax revenues will be allocated to college scholarships

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Poarch tribe seeks ways to revive defeated gambling bill

March 16, 2021

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) continue efforts to expand casino gambling in Alabama despite last week's defeat Sen. Del Marsh's gambling bill. According to Wind Creek Hospitality VP of Business Development Arthur Mothershed said the PCI is looking at other options to have the bill reconsidered before the Legislative session adjourns May 30th.

The bill proposed a constitutional amendment to allow up to 10 casinos, a state lottery, sports betting and establishment of an Alabama Gaming Commission. The Senate vote was two votes short of passage.

The PCI is seeking to build more casinos. One proposal would build a casino and hotel in northeast Alabama along I-59 or US-72. The location would draw players from Chattanooga. Mothershed said "It would be more than just a casino. We are talking about a destination resort, hotel and entertainment complex. Combined with the natural beauty of the area, that could be a prime tourism attraction in the state."

The PCI would also like to add Class III gambling to its casinos, which currently operate with Class II. The change would allow Vegas-style slot machines and table games.

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Alabama casino, lottery bill fails Senate by 2 votes

March 12, 2021

The Alabama Senate did not have enough votes Tuesday to approve a constitutional amendment allowing a state lottery and up to ten new casinos. The bill required 21 votes to pass but fell short 19-13. If passed, Alabama voter would choose whether or not to ratify the amendment in the next election.

Despite the senate vote, the issue may still be relived in this legislative session.

Alabama governor, others react to failure of lottery, gaming bill - Courtesy of NBC 15 WPMI, Mar 10, 2021. Available from YouTube

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said:

"If the legislature wants to continue discussing the topic, I'm perfectly willing to do that.

"The benefits to the state far outweigh the disadvantages, and we have to do a better job of explaining that. And I'm prepared to work with the legislature to do that."

Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, supports Gov. Ivey's position and added:

"I have seen lottery and gaming bills come and fail every year since 2006.

"The discussion with legislators and the governor is to work collectively together to figure out what is a solution that's best for the state to create the most revenue and jobs that we can for the state."

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Alabama releases gambling report

December 28, 2020

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's Study Group on Gambling Policy released its findings last week in an 876-page report. The report recommends legalization of five to seven casinos, a state lottery and sports betting.

Governor's group: Alabama could see $700 million from gambling - Courtesy of WVTM 13 News, Dec 18, 2020. Available from YouTube

The Study Group on Gambling Policy Report recommends:

• Legalization of five to seven casinos with Vegas-style casino gaming. Potential locations were excluded from the report. Estimated tax revenue is $300-$400 million per year.

• Legalization of a state lottery. Estimated state revenue is $200-$300 million per year.

• Legalization of sports betting. Estimate state revenue is $10 million per year.

"Gambling will work in Alabama and we feel that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages," said Todd Strange, the chairman of the study group.

Last year, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians proposed a plan to pay the state $1 billion to add Vegas-style casino gaming (Class III) to its Wind Creek Casinos in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka. In addition the Tribe would build two new Class III casino in North Alabama.

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Wind Creek casinos reopen June 8

May 30, 2020

Wind Creek casinos in Wetumpka, Atmore and Montgomery, Alabama will reopen to the public on June 8th. Crowds will be limited to one third capacity. Face masks, temperature checks and not smoking will be enforced.

Video courtesy of CBS 42.

Video courtesy of WKRG.

Each casino will operate four gaming sessions every day. At the end of each session the casino will be deep cleaned before the next session. Guests can make advance reservations for specific sessions beginning June 3. Whenever a casino reaches its occupancy limit, newly-arriving guests must wait in special areas until there is availability inside.

Hotels will also restrict the number of guest. Hotel occupancy will be limited to 50 percent so that room can remain unoccupied for 24 hours before deep cleaning.

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Alabama bill proposes lottery and Poarch Creeks casino plan

March 14, 2020

A bill introduced this week in the Alabama Senate proposes both a state lottery and the Poarch Creek Indians' plan to add Vegas-style casino gaming and two new casinos. Senator Greg Albritton (R- Atmore) explains his bill puts these issues into legislative form as a first step in the process towards amending the state constitution, which currently prohibits any type of gambling.

The Poarch Creek Indians have publically promoted their gambling plan to generate $1 billion in state revenues. The tribe would pay the state $225 million for exclusive casino rights across the state, pay a percentage of revenues at the three existing casinos, and build two commercial casino resorts that will pay 25% taxes on revenues.

For details on the Poarch Creek Indians gambling plan, see the Press Release.

Sen. Albritton hopes his bill will progress through the legislative process in time for voter approval in November's election. He believes it would be helpful to Gov. Ivey's Study Group on Gambling Policy for consideration and inclusion in their report.

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Alabama Governor wants fact-finding study on Poarch Creek Indians $1B gambling proposal

February 7, 2020

During her State-of-the-State Address last week, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced plans to set up a study group to gather facts on the impact of a lottery and the expansion of Poarch Creek Indians casinos on the state. The governor wants the findings by the end of the year.

She explained, "That's all I want is the facts, not recommendations. I just want the facts about how much money the state can expect to gain if we just do a lottery or if we do expanded gaming or if we do a compact and what the heck does a compact look like? What are the components of a compact? What are the responsibilities of both parties? We don't know."

Last November the Poarch Creek Indians proposed a $1 billion gambling plan for Alabama. It included a $225 million payment to the state for an exclusive compact for all casino gaming, two new resort casinos in the state, Class III table games and sports betting, licensing fees and revenue sharing payments to the state, and support of a paper state lottery.

For details about the Poarch Creek Indians proposal, read the Press Release.

The Poarch Creek Indians are the only federally-recognized tribe in Alabama. The tribe currently own and operate three casinos in the state: Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Wetumpka , Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Atmore and Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Montgomery.

In addition the Poarch Band of Creek Indians own and operate Wind Creek Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, the Pensacola Greyhound Park and Creek Entertainment Gretna in Florida and the Renaissance Hotels in Aruba and Curacao. The tribe also financed and operates the Wa She Shu Casino in Gardnerville, Nevada, owned by the Washoe Tribe.

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Poarch Creek Indians propose $1B gambling plan for Alabama

November 18, 2019

In a press release this week the Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced their new public awareness campaign to promote a major expansion of gambling in Alabama. The goal is to generate billions of dollars in new state revenues and create thousands of new jobs.

SUMMARY OF PLAN

• The Poarch Band of Creek Indians would pay Alabama $225 million for an exclusive compact for all casino gaming in the state.

• The Tribe would build two new resort casinos in the state.

• Alabama would authorize Class III table games (blackjack, craps and roulette) and sports betting to be operated by the Tribe.

• Alabama would receive licensing fees and revenue sharing from all new casino properties.

• The Tribe supports a paper state lottery.

The following is the full press release from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians:

PRESS RELEASE

Poarch Band of Creek Indians Comprehensive Plan for Alabama Gaming to Bring in Immediate $Billion, $Millions More to Follow

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Nov 12, 2019, 12:05 ET

Public Awareness Campaign Outlines Plan's Details

POARCH CREEK INDIAN RESERVATION, Ala., Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Poarch Band of Creek Indians today announced a public awareness campaign focused on communicating details of their comprehensive plan for gaming in Alabama.

Poarch's solid plan is designed to generate billions of dollars in new revenues to the State, create thousands of new jobs, and regulate and tax gaming interests. It also calls for the construction of two deluxe tourist resorts in the northern part of the State, and supports citizens' rights to vote on gaming issues, including whether Alabama should also have the kind of traditional lottery that other neighboring states have in place.

"We have long believed that the economic power of gaming should be strategically harnessed to create opportunities for everyone who lives in Alabama," noted Stephanie Bryan, Poarch Tribal Chair and CEO. "This plan does that, and we are committed to making sure that our positions on gaming and our commitment to helping improve the quality of life in Alabama are clear."

In recent weeks, the Tribe and its gaming business (PBCI Gaming) have been the subject of a public misinformation campaign funded by an anonymous group. The sole purpose of that group's work was to misrepresent the Tribe's position on gaming in the State, confuse the issues surrounding gaming regulation and taxation, and damage Poarch's reputation.

By contrast, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians made the decision to state publicly what they propose in the way of a solid, comprehensive plan for gaming in the State through a public awareness campaign that includes a gaming policy-focused website www.winningforalabama.com. The website gives citizens a platform to voice their opinions on specific gaming issues. It also provides opportunities for communities across Alabama to alert the Tribe and other State leaders about their critical needs.

"We hope that the information we are making available will prompt both citizens and our State's legislators to seriously consider a solid plan for gaming that can have real economic benefits for Alabama," said Chairwoman Bryan. "We believe that it is important everyone in the State has access to honest information and constructive ideas so they can make the best decisions about an issue that is critically important to Alabama's economic well-being and quality of life."

SOURCE Poarch Band of Creek Indians
www.poarchcreekindians.org

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Poarch Band of Creek Indians Allowed to Remain Open

September 04, 2015

Poarch Band of Creek Indians were ruled in favor on by 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday.

Alabama has been attempting to close the tribe's three casinos.

The ruling that came from the three judge panel was unanimous. The tribe operates the casinos on their land giving them sovereign immunity.

Currently state law does not allow slot machine gaming. The casinos operate electronic bingo games. The state believes that these bingo games fall into that category.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians also own land near Pensacola, FL. Gov. Rick Scott has been approached by the tribe asking to make an arrangement that would allow for them to operate a casino there.

A majority share of the Pensacola Greyhound Track is owned by the tribe.

The status of that arrangement has not been released by the governor's office.

---

Time for Alabama Gaming Bill About to Expire

May 28, 2015

The proposed Alabama gaming bill has yet to be reviewed by state lawmakers. The timeline to make a decision on the bill is close to over.

A special session to review the bill is a possibility according to Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh.

Marsh is the sponsor for the measure.

The proposed bill was designed as a way for the state to seek another source of revenue. It is believed by Marsh that other members of legislators are interested in the possibility of gaming in the state.

The bill would allow for dog racing tracks to operate casinos. Also for the creation of a state lottery.

On Thursday the Senate will vote on the bill. If it is not approved, the current session will conclude and the bill will not progress. The measure has been approved by the Senate Tourism Committee. However, there has not been a vote from the floor.

---

Gaming Bill Approved by AL Senate committee

May 17, 2015

A Alabama state Senate committee has given approval for a proposed expanded gaming bill. However, some believe that the measure may not go much further.

The measure would allow for casinos at four dog racing tracks and a state lottery.

House Speaker Mike Hubbard does not believe that the bill would be supported by either the state House or Senate.

The bill's sponsor is Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. Marsh believes that the bill will prevent potential budget cuts and raising taxes. Therefore voters and legislators would be in favor of the bill.

The voters will have to give final approval on the measure. However if approved, revenue the state would earn from gaming would not be available on October 1 at the start of the fiscal year.

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Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh to Introduce Gaming Bill

May 05, 2015

Legislation is about to be introduced to the Alabama Senate over allowing casinos and a lottery.

On Tuesday, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh announced his plan. He believes that gaming would help generate money for Alabama. The state is in need of finding new was of earning revenue. He also believes that the gaming issue should be decided on by the people in the state.

In his plan, four dog tracks would host the casino gaming. They would be located in Mobile, Birmingham, and Greene and Macon Counties.

For the measure to be approved, three fifths of the state's legislators would have to be in favor. As well as have voter approval.

---

Judge Rules in Favor of Poarch Band of Creek Indians Gaming

April 16, 2014

A judgment was made in favor of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The tribe had been sued by the State of Alabama in regards to the tribes operation of their casino. A U.S. District Court judge dismissed the case.

The judge ruled that gaming that happens on tribal land cannot be regulated by the state. There is no state law that can prevent them from doing so.

The tribe owns land in Montgomery, Wetumpka, and Atmore. Based on the ruling, the tribe may be able to develop casinos in those areas.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows for the Poarch Creeks to operate casinos on their land. The National Indian Gaming Commission enforced the act.

A request for an appeal is expected to be submitted by Luther Strange, Alabama Attorney General.

---

Lawsuit to Stop Poarch Band Casinos

April 15, 2013

The casinos owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians are facing a possible shut down by a lawsuit brought by the Attorney General. The tribe owns three casinos. The case is headed to federal court.

The lawsuit was first filed in Elmore County. This is where one of the casino locations is. The Attorney General is suing the tribe stating that the casinos are a public nuisance. Also that the operation of the gaming machines is illegal. The tribe defended themselves stating that the lawsuit was based on federal law. Soon after the case was moved the Montgomery federal courthouse.

The tribe defends their casinos by stating that the casinos are on tribal land. The state can not control the casinos on their land. That the issue needs to go to the US District Judge instead.

The tribe owns casinos in Montgomery, Wetumpka, and Atmore.

---

Alabama sues Fed to block Indian gambling expansion

April 10, 2008

MONTGOMERY, AL - State Attorney General Troy King filed a lawsuit in federal court at Mobile Monday against the U.S Department of interior in an attempt to block the expansion of gambling by the Poarch Creek Indians. The tribe was not included in the lawsuit.

Last March 4th the Interior Department announced it will resume informal talks with the Poarch Creek Indians, who would like to add slot machines and table games in their casinos in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery where they currently operate electronic bingo games.

King said "The Department of Interior's recent actions represent a complete disregard for fundamental principles of states rights and an arrogant lack of respect for the people of Alabama."

---

Bill may legalize electronic bingo

April 1, 2009

Bingo played for money is legal in Alabama as long as it is run by or for the benefit of a nonprofit organization. Now there is proposed legislation for a Constitutional amendment authorizing bingo in certain counties. It would require a state compact with Indian bingo facilities, levy a 20% tax on bingo operations and limit electronic bingo to 14 locations in the state.

The bill, HB 676, calls for Alabama's Poarch Creek Indians to enter into a revenue-sharing compact with the governor by January 1, 2014. The Poarch operate casino-style bingo operations in Atmore and Wetumpka under federal law that allows gaming on tribal land held in federal trust. In the past, the tribe has attempted to negotiate compacts with Alabama governors that would add table games to their casinos, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. John Knight (D-Montgomery), Rep. Marcel Black (D-Tuscumbia) and Rep. Richard Lindsey (D-Centre) and has been approved by the House Tourism and Travel committee. If passed by the House it will face stiff opposition in the Alabama Senate.

If the bill is passed by both houses of the legislature, it would be on the statewide primary ballots in June 2010.

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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.

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Judge rules all electronic bingo gambling halls closed

October 26, 2009

ALABAMA - A circuit court judge ruled Monday that electronic bingo machines are illegal and all casinos operating the machines in Walker County must be closed. The decision by Judge Robert Vance has set off a political fire storm.

Governor Bob Riley supports the ruling but will have little to do with the issue because he is term limited.

Ron Sparks, a Gubernatorial candidate, has lashed out. "Judge Vance's ruling that bingo operations of Walker County are illegal, underscores the urgent need for a statewide approach to address the fastest growing industry in the state, gambling," he said.

"I am the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, who has pledged to fight for a statewide gaming commission, statewide licensing and regulation, and taxing casinos to fund education and Medicaid," Sparks said in a statement.
"I would allow the voters of each individual county the right to decide if gaming is allowed in their county.

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Casinos reopen in Alabama

December 7, 2009

MONTGOMERY - Alabama casinos are rushing to reconfigure their bingo machines to eet six-point standards set by the state Supreme Court. The machine changes are in process at Country Crossing near Dothan, Victoryland in Shorter and the White Hall Gaming Center near Montgomery. County Crossing Casino opened Tuesday and White Hall is set to reopen.

The Alabama Supreme Court set several criterion for legal bingo machines. To qualify as bingo:
- Players must compete against each other and not against the machine.
- Drawn balls must be called one at a time.
- Players must mark their cards.
- Players who do not pay attention cannot win.

Earlier in the year, Governor Riley created the Task Force on Illegal Gambling which raided White Hall Resort and Entertainment Center and others in March. Evidences was submitted to the state Supreme Court which shut down over 900 machines because they were too similar to slot machines. In a subsequent hearing the court set criterion for legal digital bingo machines.

Gov. Bob Riley's office says the changes do not go far enough, and more raids could result.

---

News Headlines Continued

2021

Alabama voters 'deserve to have their voices heard' on gaming - Poarch Creek Indians May 10, 2021 - The Poarch Band of Creek Indians praised the Alabama Senate last week for passing a controversial bill for a constitutional amendment that requires voter approval for ... Read more Poarch tribe seeks ways to revive defeated gambling bill March 16, 2021 - The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) continue efforts to expand casino gambling in Alabama despite last week's defeat Sen. Del Marsh's gambling bill. According to Wind Creek Hospitality VP ... Read more Tribes are devastated after one year of COVID-19 March 18, 2021 - As the Covid-19 pandemic began spreading across our nation last year, its impact became the most deadly in our tribal communities. Tribal economies also collapsed as casinos were shut down ... Read more Alabama casino, lottery bill fails Senate by 2 votes March 12, 2021 - The Alabama Senate did not have enough votes Tuesday for a constitutional amendment allowing a state lottery and up to ten new casinos. The bill required 21 votes to pass but fell short 19-13 ... Read more

2020

Alabama releases gambling report December 28, 2020 - Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's Study Group on Gambling Policy released its findings last week in an 876-page report. The report recommends legalization of five to seven casinos, a state lottery and sports betting. ... Read more Wind Creek casinos reopen June 8 May 30, 2020 - Wind Creek casinos in Wetumpka, Atmore and Montgomery, Alabama will reopen to the public on June 8th. Crowds will be limited to one third capacity. Face masks, temperature checks and not smoking will be enforced. ... Read more Alabama bill proposes lottery and Poarch Creeks casino plan March 14, 2020 - A bill introduced this week in the Alabama Senate proposes both a state lottery and the Poarch Creek Indians' plan to add Vegas-style casino gaming and two new casinos. ... Read more Alabama Governor wants fact-finding study on Poarch Creek Indians $1B gambling proposal February 7, 2020 - During her State-of-the-State Address last week, Governor Ivey announced the launch of a fact-finding study into the Poarch Creek Indians proposal to expand ... Read more

2019

Poarch Creek Indians propose $1B gambling plan for Alabama November 18, 2019 - The Poarch Creek Indians have launched a public awareness campaign to expand their casinos in the state, add Class III table games, sports betting, a state lottery ... Read more

2015

12.01.2015   $65 Expansion Opens at Wind Creek Montgomery 09.04.2015   Poarch Band of Creek Indians Allowed to Remain Open 05.28.2015   Time for Alabama Gaming Bill About to Expire 05.17.2015   Gaming Bill Approved by AL Senate committee 05.05.2015   Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh to Introduce Gaming Bill

2014

12.08.2014   Two Contractor Companies Chosen for Creek Casino Montgomery 10.21.2014   Creek Casino Montgomery To Have $68 Million Improvement 04.16.2014   New Wind Creek Wetumpka to Open Dec 17, 2014

2013

04.15.2013   Lawsuit to Stop Poarch Band Casinos

2012

07.11.2012   Wind Creek Wetumpka opening in 2013

2010

02.04.2010   Wind Creek celebrates first year

2009

12.07.2009   Casinos reopen in Alabama 10.26.2009   Judge rules all electronic bingo gambling halls closed 04.02.2009   Sweet Home Alabama Bill - Questions and Answers 04.01.2009   Bill may legalize electronic bingo

2008

07.28.2008   $260 million Wind Creek Casino and Resort is rising at Atmore 04.10.2008   Alabama sues Fed to block Indian gambling expansion

2007

12.24.2007   Wind Creek Casino Hotel and Resort (2009)