Alabama has now legalized casino-style gaming after years of fighting this issue. These are not “Electronic Bingo Parlors”, but casinos filled with slot machines. What’s the difference? The only difference is that you don’t just have to insert your money and push a button or pull the handle. Instead, you can choose a bingo card based on the “bingo” you win. You can participate in the outcome of each spin by this simple act. According to the casino owners, it’s more than a game of chance.
To the dismay and surprise of locals, the Poarch Creek Indians opened the first casino in Wetumpka. Their attitudes have changed slightly since many locals were hired to work at the casino. This has also increased the revenue of other local businesses. Riverside Casino in Wetumpka recently added a new facility. It now has nearly 1,000 machines and an affordable buffet. There is also a large bar area that allows you to watch sporting events.
The Poarch Creek Indians operate the Tallapoosa Casino along the Tallapoosa River, just outside Montgomery, Alabama. They are currently completing the renovation of their Atmore facility with Windcreek Casino & Hotel. According to the PCI, the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel will be a fully-fledged, first-class operation. Fine dining, thousands upon thousands of machines, lodging, and entertainment. The opening of the Windcreek Hotel and Casino is planned for January 2009.
The area’s dog tracks are not to be outdone and have joined the fight for survival. Both Macon and Greene counties voted to amend their constitutions to allow “Electronic Bingo” to help the beleaguered dog tracks in danger of closing down.
Greenetrack, located near Interstate 59/20 in Eutaw, Alabama, has over 1500 machines. If you’re tired of playing them, you can go upstairs to place your bets on the greyhound races every evening.
Victoryland is the state’s big dog. It is located on Interstate 85, twenty miles east of Montgomery, Alabama. The fourth expansion of the facility is in process. Victoryland has nearly 5000 available machines for play. It is the closest casino gambling experience outside of Tunica and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Victoryland’s facilities are top-notch. Oasis Buffet offers a good food selection, including southern fried chicken and crab claws. The newly opened Race and Sports Book Entertainment Center lets you place bets on greyhound races on-site or pari-mutuel wagering at over forty tracks. You can watch sports events on 7 large projection screens and 38 plasma screens. Enjoy a sandwich, a drink, and eat in comfort while you watch.
This is it. Alabama casino gaming. Maybe they’ll offer table games in the future, but for now, there are plenty of options if you love slots.