Locals: Wind Creek vital to community

ATMORE, Ala. (WALA) - Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange is going after three casinos operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Strange filed a lawsuit Tuesday, February 19, against the casinos one of which is in Atmore and residents there aren’t happy about the lawsuit.

The Wind Creek Casino website said it currently has 1,600 gambling machines including slot machines, which according to the attorney general are illegal under Alabama state law.

For some who grew up in Atmore, the Wind Creek Casino is a welcomed business in the town and a critical part of the local economy.

 Niki Garnder works at a local restaurant near the casino and said Wind Creek has brought a lot more jobs to the area.

Clint Smith said in addition to the jobs, the casino has funded local schools.

 “I won’t quote numbers but they’ve given the schools in Atmore six figure numbers so we’re not talking about a little number,” Smith said. “Whether you believe in gambling or not, they have used it for a lot of good things.”

Job creation is the number one reason the people of Atmore FOX10 spoke with want the Wind Creek Casino and its slot machines to stay but Attorney General Luther Strange said the casino is using illegal machines to make a profit and he wants the operation stopped.

Locals said the state of Alabama needs money and instead of having people travel to other states like Mississippi, Florida or Georgia to spend their money, it should be spent within the state.

Strange filed the suit even though he admits the state has no authority to seize the machines. That’s because under federal law, state police cannot enforce laws on Indian lands.