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HR 6180 was brought before the US House of Representatives, in an attempt to increase the lands controlled by the Poarch Indians. Should this bill be passed, it would result in an expansion of Poarch Indian gambling facilities in Alabama. 

 

The concerns around tribal casinos started in a court case in 2009. The Supreme Court ruled in the case Carceiri vs Salazar that tribal land is not subject to state laws, and is sovereign Indian territory. This allowed tribal casinos to be established in states where gambling is outlawed. 

 

Despite an increase in real money casinos in the US, there are still several states that prohibit both land-based and online casinos. However, players in almost all states, including Alabama, can access casino games from home via offshore sites. These are licensed in other regions and don’t fall under state or federal jurisdiction, meaning players are free to enjoy the games as they wish, regardless of the laws in their state.

 

In Alabama, players also have a few land-based options, with the Poarch Indians operating tribal casinos in several counties, including Montgomery and Escambia. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision in 2009, there remained uncertainty whether the tribal lands in Alabama were subject to the state’s gambling laws. 

 

The purpose of HR 6180 was to resolve this confusion, recognizing the Poarch Indians and allowing all their lands to be excluded from constitutional or penal restrictions of the state’s gambling regulations. 

 

Those supporting the bill claimed that tribal land should be held in trust and should benefit the Poarch Indians. They should not have to comply with state restrictions and regulations. Notably, none of the favorable statements mentioned the potential of gambling expansion on these lands. 

 

A recent Alabama Legislature session saw a proposal for the expansion of gambling, including the plans of the Poarch Indians to expand their gaming activities. These proposals didn’t pass but will be brought up again in the future. 

 

Should HR 6180 pass, the Poarch Indians in Alabama would be able to expand their current tribal casinos and gambling activities to all of their tribal lands in the state. 

 

Attorney Eric Johnston from the Southeast Law Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, is strongly opposed to the bill. According to an opinion piece written by A. Johnston, “It is important that HR 6180 not become law.” 

 

He continues, “Gambling expansion is not good. We are damaged by gambling addiction, human and drug trafficking, organized crime, and damage to small businesses, the community, and the family. There are many reasons to oppose gambling expansion. HR 6180 should be opposed for these reasons alone.”

What A., Johnston fails to mention is the added revenue that such tribal casinos and other online gambling sites can contribute to the state’s coffers. There are several states where tribal casinos have been legalized, including Iowa and Louisiana – states where other types of gambling are prohibited or restricted.