Alabama gambling bill: Poarch Band of Creek Indians wants sports betting, table games. Can it pass?
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates a trio of casinos in Alabama, located in Atmore, Wetumpka, and Montgomery, primarily offering electronic bingo machines akin to slot machines. Due to the absence of traditional table games like blackjack and poker, some gamblers prefer venturing to casinos in Mississippi, where such games are available. Arthur Mothershed, the Poarch Creeks’ executive vice president of business development, highlighted the tribe’s desire to introduce table games through legislative change, which would require a statewide vote. Despite ongoing discussions, Alabama lawmakers have yet to advance a comprehensive gambling bill, which has faced setbacks in previous legislative sessions.
Mothershed revealed the tribe’s preferred proposal, encompassing table games, sports betting, and a state lottery, potentially generating substantial revenue for Alabama. Although there is acknowledgment of the state wanting additional non-tribal casino locations, proposals to allow casinos at former greyhound tracks have surfaced. The tribe is also developing plans for the Birmingham Race Course Casino, aiming for a modern facility contingent on favorable legislation.
Governor Kay Ivey supports revisiting the gambling issue, expressing interest in allowing voter input on the matter. Meanwhile, Mothershed underscored the importance of state revenue as Alabama’s existing gaming ventures fail to return taxes from the tribe’s bingo operations. Uncertain about the prospects for gambling legislation this session, he noted fluctuating odds of success in achieving these ambitions.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/politics/2025/03/a-powerful-group-wants-an-alabama-gambling-bill-with-sports-betting-table-games-can-it-pass-9-things-to-know.html
