It’s also invested in casinos in Nevada, Florida, Curacao, and Aruba. The tribe purchased Sands Bethlehem Casino in Pennsylvania for $1.3 million, which is now Wind Creek Bethlehem, a commercial casino that will pay state taxes. “I’m concerned about the future of Alabama politics if we allow one group to have as much influence as they’re beginning to have.' “They’re spending big bucks in Montgomery to make sure those laws don’t apply to them,” he said. Dial says as a former lawmaker, he’s seen lobbyists work to kill bills that would hurt the tribe and its gaming operation. Over the last decade the tribe has invested millions in state elections by way of campaign contributions and donations to special interest groups. The state has no jurisdiction and the tribe has no obligation to pay state taxes on their gaming revenue, according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or IGRA. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operate three casinos across Alabama on tribal or sovereign land, which falls under the regulatory arm of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
