The last time the legislature tried in 2021 to pass a so-called comprehensive gaming bill, it made it through the Alabama Senate but failed to make it to the floor downstairs in the lower chamber.
A new legislature will be seated in 2023, and the leadership of the Poarch Band of Creeks Indians say they are hopeful for another shot at a comprehensive bill.
During an appearance on Alabama Public Television's "Capitol Journal" on Friday, PCI Tribal Council member Arthur Mothershed, in a joint appearance with tribe vice-chairman Robbie McGhee, acknowledged the tribe was still lobbying for the comprehensive approach.
"Hope so," Mothershed replied. "At least our intent would be to push for a comprehensive gaming bill. The governor, herself, did a study in [2020] ... and it just shows a comprehensive gaming bill would bring, according to whose estimates you look at, somewhere between $500 and $700 million a year in the state's coffers. And that's notwithstanding the state's initial license fees that would be out there. We think it is in the state's best interest to take advantage of the money that are on the table."
"[T]here is gaming going on in the state," he added. "We're just doing it. There are other facilities doing it. The state should capitalize on it instead of ignoring it and pushing it down the road."
Jeff Poor is the executive editor of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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