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Poarch Band of Creek Indians

PCI supported President Trump’s rivals but want state Republican to do their bidding

In 2016, Alabamians overwhelmingly supported Donald J. Trump for president. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, however, put the majority of their money behind his rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton. PCI gave Clinton $150,000 in 2016, but only $25,000 to Trump. Likewise, in 2012, PCI contributed $135,000 to Barack Obama. In both elections, the Poarch Creeks … Continued
January 21, 2020

Poarch Creek’s offer is a pipe dream opening the door to a nightmare

Over the last ten years, the political influence of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has grown so powerful that they can kill any legislation that poses a threat to their business interests. Each year PCI and its Republican allies have doomed legislation that would have created a state lottery or allow others to offer … Continued
January 13, 2020

PCI is offering a billion dollars, how much is that?

Poarch Band of Creek Indians is offering the state a billion dollars for a state-guaranteed monopoly on its gambling operations and allowing it to expand its casinos to include Birmingham and a yet unnamed location in North Alabama. How much is a billion dollars? PCI gaming, using revenues from its gaming operations in Alabama, last … Continued
January 13, 2020

The most under-reported stories of 2019

With an abundance of news source and a never-ending stream of daily political news, there are inevitably a handful of stories — important, meaningful stories — that slip through the cracks and go under-reported and under-read.  For whatever reason, these stories in 2019 didn’t go viral and weren’t a hot topic among your friends and … Continued
December 31, 2019

State of Alabama bicentennial celebration set for this weekend

The state of Alabama turns 200 years as a state on Saturday. The celebration begins with a concert tonight and that is followed by a parade, bicentennial park dedication, and festival on Saturday. Governor Ivey has invited the whole state to come to Saturday’s events. The Saturday celebration begins at 10 AM with a parade … Continued
December 13, 2019

There’s a better gambling deal to be made

You have to give the Poarch Band of Creek Indians some credit — they know how to play the politicians of this state.  You don’t get to be a default gambling monopoly for a decade without knowing how to spot a mark — in this case the majority of the Alabama Legislature — and playing … Continued
November 22, 2019

Is PCI offering oceanfront property too?

Earlier this month, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians released its Winning for Alabama plan, which the tribe claims would generate more than $1 billion in revenue after the first year. Beyond the fuzzy math, PCI says its plan is an “economic win for the state… through gaming legislation.” But is it, really? Remember, PCI … Continued
November 21, 2019

Self-interested lawmakers are why Alabama gambling laws are so messed up

There are many, many reasons for the mess that is Alabama’s current predicament with gambling — bad laws, lazy and indifferent lawmakers, under-the-table money, constitutional amendments and outside influences all playing roles.  But one of the biggest is dishonest politicians with personal gain at stake.  People like state Sen. Greg Albritton.  If you’re unfamiliar with … Continued
November 15, 2019

Tribe offers to buy exclusive rights to gambling in Alabama

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians released its winning for Alabama plan, which, if accepted by the state, would give the tribe—comprised of roughly 4,000 individuals—exclusive gaming rights throughout Alabama. Over the last several weeks, PCI, which pays no tax on its gaming profits in the state, has been running … Continued
November 12, 2019

Poarch Creeks’ initial gaming offer isn’t terrible, but lawmakers would be crazy to accept it

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians dropped their new gaming proposal on Monday — a plan that would allegedly bring in more than a billion dollars for the state in the first year — and it’s not a terrible plan.  But Alabama lawmakers would be fools to go for it.  First and foremost, PCI should … Continued
November 12, 2019