Wind Creek Casino - Atmore (Montgomery, Huntsville: real estate, crime, loan)

Reactionary · 03-04-2009, 08:18 AM

The Poarch Creek Indian tribe recently opened the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel on I-65 at Atmore Alabama.

The PCI also runs the Riverside Casino (bingo machines) at Wetumpka and the Tallapoosa Casino (bingo machines) at Montgomery.

Anybody visited the Casinos?

Thoughts on Casinos in Alabama? The Creeks are pursuing a compact with the State to become the exclusive operator of Casinos in the State - thoughts?

southernnaturelover - are the Creeks good neighbors like their Poarch Creek Neighbors advertisements claim?

southernnaturelover · 03-04-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reactionary

southernnaturelover - are the Creeks good neighbors like their Poarch Creek Neighbors advertisements claim?

For the most part yes. I hear claims about the jobs only going to Native Americans, but when you visit the casino it's easy to see the majority of the employees are not NA. I have an aunt and a cousin who work there in the restaurants. The jobs are not high paying, but they're jobs nonetheless. I see lots of out of state tags in the parking lot when I'm there, mostly people from the midwest passing through on their way to Gulf Shores I assume.

There hasn't been any crime associated with the casino that I know of. The tribal police has jurisdiction over the casino, but the area to the east of it (hwy 21) was annexed by the city of Atmore. When something does happen out there the two police departments work pretty well together. Atmore has actually had to close down one fire station because fire fighters have quit and went to work for the tribe.

Reactionary · 03-04-2009, 11:03 AM

snl - thanks for the info, I always appreciate your insight.

I'm trying to get a handle on the casino treaty with the State. Part of me thinks it would be a good thing, since they are an 'Alabama business' committed to improving the lives of Alabama citizens. Plus, most of Alabama was Creek land so there is some history there. I don't know if I like that there's only about 2,000 Creeks and some of them might get very rich with the State's blessing and license.

Note that I want them to get rich, I just don't know if I like the State facilitating it through a special deal.

southernnaturelover · 03-04-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reactionary

snl - thanks for the info, I always appreciate your insight.

I'm trying to get a handle on the casino treaty with the State. Part of me thinks it would be a good thing, since they are an 'Alabama business' committed to improving the lives of Alabama citizens. Plus, most of Alabama was Creek land so there is some history there. I don't know if I like that there's only about 2,000 Creeks and some of them might get very rich with the State's blessing and license.

Note that I want them to get rich, I just don't know if I like the State facilitating it through a special deal.

I don't think the individual Creeks will get rich, but the tribe may (along with a few head honchos). Much of the money will probably go to things like healthcare, which is very high among Native Americans because of diseases like diabetes. Some of the money may also go to housing assistance. From my understanding, when a Creek Indian wants to buy a home the tribe will loan them the money interest free, and the home is owned by the tribe until the debt is paid off. There was a law at one time which banned the tribe from buying real estate inside of the city limits, but I don't think it still stands.

The tribe has done some very good things that benefit the whole community. They bought some property along a local creek and turned it into a wildlife reserve. Years ago it was a party spot where drunks used to throw out beer bottles and trash. Now it is a nice place where people can go camping, enjoy the nature trails, and have a good time without dealing with the riff raff.
Creek Indian Enterprises :: Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

southernnaturelover · 03-04-2009, 11:57 AM

I forgot to mention the annual Pow Wow which is held in Poarch. It's an event where people (of all races) get together and watch the dances and enjoy good food. People come from all around and set up stands where they can sell hand made crafts. It's a side of Alabama that many never see.

Here's a little clip I found on YouTube..

YouTube - Thanksgiving Pow Wow Poarch, Alabama Creek Indians 2

chj · 03-04-2009, 02:05 PM

regarding the housing. I heard that they will build a house for members of the tribe. my dad has done a couple of jobs for them and a my mom goes to church in poarch and they said they have a list and that they will build a house for who is next on the list once funds become available.

Reactionary · 03-30-2009, 08:24 AM

I visited the Wind Creek Casino Sunday morning while travelling.

It's not "bingo" - they have electronic slot machines (and video poker) with a virtual bingo game in the background. It is silly to call it bingo. For those unfamiliar with electronic slots, you insert cash or a game ticket into the machine, play, and when you 'cash out' it prints a game ticket that you take to another machine or to the inhouse ATM for cash (if you're lucky).

And it is nice. The Casino was clean, friendly, convenient, and not-too-loud. For people in Huntsville, I recommend going to Wind Creek instead of Tunica MS - it is easier and faster to get to Atmore (plus it's in Alabama). I didn't eat there (got free coffee, tipped $1), but the buffet had about 40 people in line. All the restaurants were clean and decorated tastefully.

The Casino was busy at 11AM on a Sunday(!) and the bartender said the Casino was packed on Fridays and Saturdays. I saw mostly Alabama and NW Florida license plates.

chj - as busy as the Casino was when I was there, I'll bet they have funds available for that housing program...

mimpdaddy · 03-30-2009, 08:30 AM

Yes, i visited both casino's.
Cant wait to see it in 5-10 years.

Southlander · 03-30-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

I hear claims about the jobs only going to Native Americans, but when you visit the casino it's easy to see the majority of the employees are not NA.

I know plenty of people in our area who claim - and can prove - that they are Native American but don't "look" NA (whatever that means). In North Alabama, it's mostly Cherokee.

southernnaturelover · 03-30-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southlander

I know plenty of people in our area who claim - and can prove - that they are Native American but don't "look" NA (whatever that means). In North Alabama, it's mostly Cherokee.

Most of the employees at Wind Creek are black.