Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Legislature / State

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

Understanding an important section in the lottery CA — one some don’t want you to understand

A proposed constitutional amendment offered by State Senator Jim McClendon, R-Springville, gives the people of Alabama the right to vote on a lottery. McClendon’s legislation is a clean bill because it only covers one subject: a lottery. Opponents of the bill, and even some supporters, have mischaracterized portions of the constitutional amendment or failed to … Continued

Bill Britt

April 1, 2019

Opinion

The Poarch Creeks want fairness. Let’s give it to them.

It’s nice to see that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians is suddenly interested in competition. That’s been the go-to talking point of late — “(The tribe) just wants the opportunity to compete for the right to offer similar gaming,” a talk radio show host proclaimed last week. Moments after the PCI CEO was on … Continued

Josh Moon

March 26, 2019

Opinion

Del Marsh: Let the people vote on a lottery and gaming (2015)

Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh in 2015 wrote the Op-Ed below. His opinion was widely circulated throughout the state. Recently, Marsh appears to have changed his position on lottery and gaming, arguing against his 2015 position of allowing games at the state’s four existing pari-mutual racetracks; a move that would only benefit the Poarch … Continued

Del Marsh

March 26, 2019

Marsh threatens lottery legislation: Why?

A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jim McClendon giving Alabama citizens an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery is being questioned by one of its co-sponsors. The bi-partisan legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Jimmy Holley, Steve Livingston, Bobby Singleton, Roger Smitherman, Billy Beasley and Del Marsh. Last week, Marsh, who … Continued

Bill Britt

March 25, 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

Poarch Creeks’ opinion on gambling laws should carry zero weight

The Mexican government today announced that it would like Alabama officials to revamp the state’s policies on hiring and supporting undocumented workers from that country. When you read the sentence above, how did it hit you? You didn’t take it well, did you? Sorta rubbed you the wrong way? Made you think, “Who the hell … Continued

Josh Moon

March 20, 2019

Lottery constitutional amendment, enabling legislation filed

A constitutional amendment filed Tuesday morning by State Sen. Jim McClendon, if approved by the Legislature, will allow for the people to vote on a statewide lottery by this time next year. Polling data from multiple reputable sources finds that an overwhelming majority of voters wants an opportunity to vote yes or no on the … Continued

Bill Britt

March 19, 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

Opinion

A straight lottery is great for the Poarch Creeks, not so great for the rest of Alabama

In Michigan in 2017, the state’s 19 tribal casinos contributed roughly $97 million worth of their profits to state and local government entities — their end of tribal-state gaming compacts. Also in 2017, just three commercial casinos in Detroit sent nearly $300 million to state and local coffers — their end of standard taxes applied … Continued

Josh Moon

February 26, 2019