Wind Creek Casino remains open

ATMORE, Ala. (WALA) - In the midst of gambling raids across the state, Wind Creek Casino in Atmore celebrates one year of operation. Yet, could this rural Indian run casino be next on the list for the Illegal Gambling Task Force?

People come and go from the Atmore facility, while around the state similar spots are closing their doors, for fear of raids.

When it comes to the raids, the people at WindCreek Casino were mum. Brent Pinkston, Vice President of Marketing met FOX10 News at the front doors of the casino and said, "We can't comment."

But, the mayor of Atmore, Howard Shell, couldn't say enough good things about the casino's impact on the area.

"It's created an atmosphere of a destination for Atmore, and certainly put Atmore on the map in more ways than one," said Shell.

Shell has served as mayor for 20 years, and has seen the area grow.

"Oh, we have had lots of change. In the last year at the interstate just with them bringing the casino, who knows what the next 20 years will bring," he added.

The city hopes to cash in on the casino's successes.

"We feel what's good for them, it will hopefully work in a supportive way for the city," he said.

So far, the casino has boosted employment and traffic. Gamers come from all over to try their luck.

Patrice McDowell, who works at a nearby gas station, has seen an increase in customers.

"Before the casino, nothing was here. Now people come from Pensacola and all over just to see the casino," shared McDowell.

Nut now, Illegal Gambling Task Force agents could be headed to Wind Creek.

John Tyson, Jr., commander of the task force, has suggested places run by the Poarch Creek Indians aren't immune to the raids if they're using illegal electronic bingo machines.

"Once we establish conclusively that these so called electronic bingo machines are nothing more than slots, and are illegal in rest of state, then I would expect for federal Indian regulatory agency to comment what is submissive inside," said Tyson.

Gambling is allowed at Wind Creek because it is on Indian land, and it is considered a sovereign nation.

Three Alabama casinos have closed their doors to avoid raids.

The state's Illegal Gambling Task Force is waiting to see if the Alabama Supreme Court will lift a temporary restraining order so it can enter without a search warrant.