Wind Creek Official Not Worried About Task Force

Even though state officials seem to be on a tear across the state, speaking during a Friday news conference officials at Wind Creek Casino say in a legal, rational world, there is no concern of a raid by John Tyson Jr.

“He does not have jurisdiction,” says President and CEO of PCI Gaming Authority Jay Dorris. However, Tyson says he can still have influence.

“I can knock on the door for the Indian gaming authority up there and I can have some impact,” says the Mobile County District Attorney and the head of the governor’s gambling task force. I spoke with Dorris again Sunday, 2/7/10. He says they have decades of legal precedent behind them. PCI Gaming officials say they must adhere to rules set by federally regulated National Indian Gaming Council or NIGC.

“We have been certified by NIGC for being compliant with the federal law and regulations and that is what we operate under,” says Dorris. Tyson says his focus is on shutting down domestic operations across the state. He says his task force is looking at Wind Creek but they have to go through federal agencies for any enforcement.

“If they weren't regulated by the feds, we'd be in there too,” says Tyson. He says gambling can exist in Alabama. He points to the Mobile Greyhound Park. It is partially owned by PCI Gaming. Tyson says it’s an example of a facility that follows state law and is protected.

“A few years ago they were getting put out of business by illegal slot machines interrupting their customers we moved to put to protect them,” says Tyson.