The future of the Alabama casino remains uncertain as the Muscogee Creek Nation continues to pursue legal action against the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The Muscogee Creek Nation is requesting a federal appeals court to reconsider whether the Poarch Band violated a burial ground with its Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka, Ala. The case dates back to 2012, and a lower court had previously ruled in favor of the Poarch Band. However, during oral arguments, justices raised questions about the representation of the Poarch Creeks and the government in the case. The court has not yet indicated when a ruling will be made.
In Arkansas, the attorney general recently filed a brief arguing that votes for a proposed Pope County casino initiative should not be counted in November. This initiative, if passed, would repeal the authorization for a casino in Pope County and require countywide voter approval for a new casino license. The Cherokee Nation Entertainment currently holds the rights to a casino license in Pope County, and the license has been a contentious issue for several years.
New renderings have been released for the Osage-Bally’s casino proposal in Missouri. The proposal includes a casino, hotel, conference center, and other amenities. The matter will be put to a vote on the November ballot, where voters will decide whether to amend the Missouri Constitution to add an additional casino license and allow gambling on the Osage River.
In Arizona, five former table games dealers from Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino have filed a wrongful termination suit against the casino. The dealers were allegedly fired for colluding with gamblers to cheat an electronic craps game. The dealers argue that they were not properly trained for the game and that the casino’s lack of training led to the manipulation of gameplay by cheaters. The claimants are seeking a jury trial and accusing Harrah’s of discrimination and retaliation.
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced that all five of its Kewadin Casino locations will be going smoke-free in the next six weeks. This decision was made to focus on the health and wellness of the communities they serve. Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes stated that the transition to smoke-free casinos is a step forward in creating a welcoming experience for all visitors to Kewadin facilities.
