The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is relaunching its TV ad campaign to push for an Alabama gambling compact with the state.
Lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize Alabama casinos in the past two regular sessions. However, each bill has met the same losing fate.
The tribe has backed several gambling bills over the years, and with the new TV ad, it appears they are back at it once more.
Another push to expand Alabama gambling
In 2022, state Sen. Greg Albritton introduced an omnibus gambling package that allowed a state lottery and sports betting.
Albritton’s bill included a potential amendment to the state’s constitution. The other part of the package was an enabling bill spelling out the implementation should the state’s voters approve the amendment.
Additionally, the bill would have done the following:
- Authorizing the state to negotiate a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians
- Seven brick-and-mortar casinos
- Online and retail AL sports betting
According to 1819 News, the opposition argued an increase in problem gambling. In contrast, others speculated a state lottery would do nothing but grow the government at a time “when a surplus is not needed.”
TV ad giving off 2019 vibes
The new gambling TV ad is similar to the “Winning for Alabama” campaign ad the tribe launched in 2019.
The new commercial includes several professionals saying a bill could bring over $700 million annually to help local communities. The ad continues by saying money can go toward addressing:
- Infrastructure
- Education,
- Health care
- High-speed internet expansion
- Public safety issues
- Creating 12,000 jobs
The Alabama tribe has been busy with gambling-related projects as of late.
In December, the tribe purchased Miami’s Magic City Casino, further expanding its gambling footprint in Florida. The tribe already operates multiple facilities in the state, including Pensacola Greyhound Track & Poker Room.
