PNJ.com – The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the federally recognized tribe that operates the Wind Creek Hotel & Casino in Atmore, Ala., has sent a letter to Gov. Rick Scott asking to negotiate a state compact that would allow “table gaming” in Escambia County.A March 24 letter from Poarch Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin said the tribe is eligible for Class III gaming in Florida because it has a 1-acre parcel in northwestern Escambia County that meets the definitions of “Indian Lands” under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The letter calls for a meeting with Scott and tribal officials as soon as possible.

Class III gaming includes “banked card games” and other forms of table gaming. It is often referred to as casino-style gambling.

The land that’s the focus of the tribe’s interest is in the Nokomis community in northwest Escambia County, near the Alabama state line. The property, located at the intersection of Nokomis Road and North Pineville Road, was included in the 1984 trust established by the federal gaming law, said Jay Dorris, the CEO of the tribe’s gaming authority.

Dorris said the land was once owned by a Poarch tribal member and was deeded to the tribe prior to establishment of the federal trust.

Dorris said the tribe, which offers electronic bingo gaming at its Atmore casino, wants to expand its operation into Northwest Florida and offer a variety of table gaming.

The tribe also owns land outside Tallahassee that potentially could be developed into a gaming site.

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