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Alabama tribe responds to gaming bill

ALABAMA –- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The following was released today by Poarch Band of Creek Indians:

Any gambling operation in Alabama should be accountable to the State and it should benefit its citizens. The bill currently being considered in committee in the Alabama legislature, however, is neither.

This bill would change Alabama's constitution to benefit a dying greyhound racetrack business run by a multi-millionaire. In the past, this individual has claimed that he gives portions of his gambling proceeds to charity, but he has steadfastly refused to publicly report the actual dollars amounts that are given.

The bill offers no real provisions as to how the State is going to regulate this individual's gambling operation nor does it suggest how the State would pay to make sure the operation is well-regulated and that an accurate share of the profit that is supposed to go to the State coffers actually ends up there.

How will the State audit this business? How will it license it? How many jobs will be created? How will this individual take care of people who develop gambling problems as a result of his business? Which counties will he open unregulated gambling operations in next?

None of these questions is adequately addressed in this legislation.

Gaming is a powerful activity which has the ability to benefit a State's citizens.

However, this is a bill for one, not for all. It is not well thought out, and it is not in the best interests of the majority of Alabama's citizens.

We urge Alabama legislators to reject this legislation aimed at promoting an individual's financial interest.

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