With so many new projects being discussed in Alabama as it relates to gaming in the state, state officials are having to keep a watchful eye on all interactions. Per a recent report, “anti-gambling” State House of Representatives candidate Joe Freeman is digging into possible communications regarding plans for a casino in Baldwin County. Freeman, from Gulf Shores, recently sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In the request, obtained by 1819 News, Freeman sought federal communications with Baldwin County, Foley, OWA, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI). Communications include emails, letters, texts, and messages on various apps, including Signal and WhatsApp. This also includes voicemails, call logs, calendars, meeting minutes, presentations, agreements, applications, incentive or abatement documents, and more.
In this article, SBS will be going over the latest gaming news coming from Alabama, along with a variety of other notes and information you can only find at SBS.
Noted in the same report, the legislator has a simple objective for these requests. “The goal of the FOIA is pretty simple,” Freeman said. “You know, it’s just a public records request for transparency. At the end of the day, the people of our district have the right to know if there’s going to be a casino at OWA. So, doing this public records request helps provide some clarity on that issue.” Freeman said he has heard from constituents since announcing his candidacy for House District 95, currently held by State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley).
“It’s not federal land yet, which means they are going to rely on the state to make that decision on gambling,” Freeman added. “Which makes it more important to put the right person in positions. We already know she’s (Holk-Jones) already voted ‘yay’ for gambling. That was on the record last year.”
Freeman said it was important to get information regarding the extent of the federal government’s involvement versus the state’s involvement. He said the issue is a hot topic in Baldwin County. “I’ve talked to several mayors, I have talked to a lot of constituents here that do not want gambling,” he said. “And they feel like OWA is losing money, so the thought process is, you know, how, why was it built? How is it going to sustain itself currently as it is? Or is it part of a bigger plan?”
Noted in the article, in 2024, OWA told 1819 News that it had no plans to turn OWA into a casino, even if the state’s gambling bill were to pass. PCI spokeswoman Kristin Hellmeich said there were no plans to change OWA, even if business is not thriving, because the park is part of a much larger nationwide operation that will continue to invest in Alabama. When asked about the FOIA request earlier this fall, Hellmeich stated, “We stand by our statement. Poarch Creek has not contemplated a casino at OWA. Anything to the contrary of this statement is rumor and pure political theater.”
Freeman said it is possible that casino talks were all simply rumors. However, he believes the least he can do is seek the truth once and for all. The City of Foley has also supported PCI’s investments in the city by providing land and infrastructure, including sidewalks, which connect OWA to Tanger Outlets and the Foley Event Center.
In other Cotton State gambling news, sports betting and various kinds of gambling are being “thrust” onto younger generations, according to the U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery). Britt said during an interview in late fall on a local radio station that “we’ve got to get to the bottom of people trying to change the outcomes of games unethically.” The FBI made multiple arrests earlier this autumn related to an alleged illicit NBA sports gambling ring.
“As you know, I am from the great state of Alabama, where we take SEC football very seriously… Obviously, being the wife of a former professional athlete, my husband has played for the New England Patriots … I know how much grit and grind go into these games,” Britt said. “And so, if you have people that are swinging these, that are doing things unethical, absolutely, 100% we have got to get to the bottom of it,” Britt said.
Britt continued, “We have got to be honest about what is happening to our next generation. We talk a lot about social media … now into gaming and gambling, and particularly sports betting, being thrust on the next generation.”
Once you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gambling news coming from Alabama, make sure to check out the excellent array of information available to you at SBS. Of course, for even more info on the locale in this report, the sports betting in Alabama guide is a must-read page that goes over an awesome array of information from the state and beyond. Moreover, for those who are interested and qualify, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown is a must-read page that covers a variety of excellent info coming from the outlet. Here you can find the latest updates from the sportsbook along with an array of bonuses and contest updates. Finally, for those looking to maximize their wagers, the best bonus betting sites breakdown is an excellent page that covers a wide array of notes, including a catalogue of the best bonus offers for eligible customers.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
Read Chris's ProfileAsk Chris about this guide:
