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Candidate wants new bingo operation shut down

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001 | 9:24 a.m.

WETUMPKA, Ala. -- Republican Lt. Gov. Steve Windom joined two GOP congressmen Wednesday in calling for a probe into a new high-stakes Indian bingo operation at Wetumpka, saying the electronic machines may be illegal.

But a tribal leader said the machines are similar to those used for years at an Indian bingo parlor near Atmore, and he described the calls for state and federal investigations as a political stunt.

Poarch Creek Indian Tribal Chairman Eddie Tullis said federal courts repeatedly have declared the machines are legally permissible Class II gaming.

"We have had them in operation in Atmore for years," he said.

Windom, a candidate for governor from Mobile, said Wednesday the new gaming center at Wetumpka will encourage pro-gambling legislators to again try to bring casinos into the state.

"It is an illegal gambling casino, but the jurisdictional challenges demand a united effort from all segments of government to shut it down," Windom said.

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