monopoly

Poarch Creeks subject of multiple federal probes, White House is watching

UPDATE: Late Friday evening, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians released a statement disputing that the tribe is under investigation, calling the comments from sources cited in the story below “untrue.” Tribal chairwoman Stephanie Bryan called the story an “attack” on the Poarch Creeks and said the tribe operates its businesses “with the highest degree … Continued

Bill Britt

May 9, 2019

Opinion

The feds are monitoring Alabama’s lottery debate because something stinks

A couple of weeks ago, as one of the worst lottery bills in history passed the Alabama Senate, I wrote that it would be amazing if the process that led to its passage didn’t get a hard look from one law enforcement agency or another. Well, guess what? As Bill Britt reports today in APR, … Continued

Josh Moon

May 9, 2019

Opinion

State lawmaker should not continue to give the Poarch Creeks a monopoly

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which is comprised of fewer than 4,000 members, have a monopoly over gaming in Alabama. The lottery legislation passed last week by the Senate, if adopted unamended in the House, will ensure the tribe’s monopoly not only continues but will grow exponentially. A “paper lottery,” as sponsored by the … Continued

Bill Britt

April 29, 2019

Opinion

The clown show rolls on: Albritton’s lottery bill advances out of committee

The worst lottery bill in history will get a vote in the Alabama Senate. The Senate’s Tourism Committee, with a 6-5 vote, gave Sen. Greg Albritton’s “paper only” lottery bill a favorable report on Tuesday. It is, presumably, headed for a full debate and vote in the Senate. Although, with a gambling bill in Alabama, … Continued

Josh Moon

April 24, 2019

Over 50 percent of Senate Republicans accepted money from Indian casino; now they want their vote

As a floor vote on a pro-Indian lottery bill nears, Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said he has the votes to pass the bill he is co-sponsoring along with Sen. Greg Albritton. Marsh and Albritton are pushing a constitutional amendment that would further solidify the Poarch Band of Creek Indians gaming monopoly in … Continued

Bill Britt

April 23, 2019

Five Republicans who may approve a pro-Indian lottery received over $100,000 from the tribe

The Senate Tourism and Marketing committee will vote Tuesday on a bill that, if approved, would give the Poarch Band of Creek Indians a complete monopoly over gaming operations in the state. If adopted, it will also eliminate legal pari-mutuel gaming at the state’s four race tracks, cost jobs in Macon, Greene and Jefferson Counties … Continued

Bill Britt

April 22, 2019

PCI tribe admits state played into their hands, still calls Alabama ‘their deadliest enemies’

Former Poarch Creek Band of Indians’ attorney general in the fall of 2016 bragged to the magazine “Indian Gaming Lawyer” that the state of Alabama played into the tribe’s hands giving the Indians a de facto monopoly of gaming in the state. Last summer, PCI tribal chief Stephanie Bryan wrote the Bureau of Indian Affairs … Continued

Bill Britt

April 9, 2019

Opinion

Albritton, Marsh introduce Indian lottery bill, sell out Alabama citizens

Sens. Greg Albritton and Del Marsh are sellouts. There are probably nicer ways I could say that, but what’s the point, really? Why am I worried about the feelings of two guys who are actively working to take food off your table, advantages out of your hands, opportunity away from your kids? Because make no … Continued

Josh Moon

April 3, 2019

Sources: More ‘tribe-friendly’ gambling bill on the way

On Wednesday, numerous lawmakers told APR that they had been informed by lobbyists working for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that Senate President Del Marsh was expected to sponsor a “more tribe-friendly” gambling bill after meeting with PCI leaders. That bill would counter one offered on Tuesday by Sen. Jim McClendon. Oddly, Marsh is … Continued

Josh Moon

March 21, 2019

Opinion

Sir, here are your winnings: Let the people vote

When the Legislature returns to Montgomery on Tuesday to resume its regular session, State Sen. Dr. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, is expected to file a constitutional amendment to allow the people to vote on a lottery. Polling shows that a plurality of Alabamians want an opportunity to vote on a lottery. Further polling finds that an … Continued

Bill Britt

March 18, 2019