According to a story first published in The Montgomery Advertiser, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians offered to cover the state’s entire $250 million budget shortfall, in exchange for a gaming compact that would give PCI exclusive gaming rights in the state.

PCI Tribal Council Vice Chair Robbie McGhee told the Advertiser that he was concerned legislators are discussing a proposal to fix the state’s budget woes by allowing electronic bingo machines at four other locations — VictoryLand in Shorter, GreeneTrack in Eutaw, Mobile Greyhound Park and the Birmingham Race Course. Currently, PCI operates the only three legal casinos in Alabama, at Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Wetumpka and Creek Casino Montgomery.

McGhee said that he could not get into the specifics of what the tribe has discussed with state officials, but did say “ the tribal council has held meetings with a number of legislators to discuss ways we could work with the state to solve these budget issues.” When asked if the Poarch Creeks could cover a quarter of a billion dollars, McGhee said, “I can just say that we have the means — yes.”

To read the entire story, visit the Advertiser at http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2015/04/28/poarch-creeks-offer-bail-state/26548581/