Ala. AG's lawsuit to affect Floridians?

CENTURY, Fla. (WALA) - The news of Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange’s lawsuit against the Poarch Band of Creek Indians doesn’t only affect gamblers in the ‘Heart of Dixie.’

One bridge separates Century, Florida from Flomaton, Alabama. It’s one many cross each day for luxuries offered on the other side. 

One in particular is exclusive to the sunshine state, the Florida Lottery.

Karen Johnson of Flomaton said she crosses the state line every day to play it.

“Everybody likes to come over here and play the lotto," Johnson said.  "I wish they had one in Alabama. I just like to come over here and try to win me some money.”

Rebecca Moye is the owner of Becky’s Mini Mart just across the state line in Century.  She said 80 percent of her business comes from Alabama. 

AG: PCI has "obligation to comply" with gambling laws

 More specifically, she said her customers are made up of people wanting to win some money in a way their state doesn’t offer.

“A lot of people do complain about [Alabama not having a lottery]," Moye said.  "They think that if Alabama had a lottery that it would keep money inside the state that they live in. And a lot of people do get aggravated because they have to drive 30-45 minutes to even be able to play.”

Moye said the main gripe these days is over Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange’s lawsuit, as many who play the lottery also frequent the casinos.

Moye said another large portion of her business is made up of Floridians stopping in on their way to Alabama to head to the casinos.  But she says pending the results of this lawsuit, all that could change.

“I really hate to see this lawsuit, because I actually live in Alabama, and my children go to school in Alabama, and I see so much of what the Poarch Creek Indians donate to the schools and other places of business within the county.  So I really think that a casino is a good thing for Atmore," Moye said.

It’s certainly a good thing for Moye and other businesses like hers along the state line, where people are trying to make a living dependent on the gaming community.