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Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Trump warned against it in 1993, now it’s coming home to Alabama

Over 25  years ago, then-business mogul Donald Trump sued the federal government over what he believed was the unfair advantage it afforded Indian gaming over the private sector. The same battle is playing out in Alabama where Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, and Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, R-Anniston, have filed a bill that guarantees … Continued
April 4, 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
April 1, 2019

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
March 26, 2019

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
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
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
March 21, 2019

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
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
March 19, 2019

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
March 18, 2019