Will Former VictoryLand Employees Find Jobs at New Casino?
The debate over VictoryLand in Macon County continues, a year after the casino temporarily opened its doors.
VictoryLand closed in 2010 after then-governor Bob Riley announced the possibility of a raid for what the administration called illegal gambling.
In December 2012, it reopened. This February, a raid by Attorney General Luther Strange seized money and machines. The casino has been closed ever since.
Bobby Cox worked at VictoryLand for more than 20 years, and he says some former co-workers are looking for jobs at Wind Creek Casino, the casino owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that recently expanded in Wetumpka.
“They’re lined up out there, waiting on a job.”
But not all former VictoryLand workers.
“The distance is hard, especially coming from Union Springs. Shorter is easier to get to. Quick and fast,” said Kimberly Simmons.
“They may not be able to get there, even if they can get a job there, because VictoryLand had a shuttle and picked people up which is a big thing, because some people don’t have cars,” said Erma Kennedy.
Some of VictoryLand’s old customers are headed to Indian-owned casinos, although Orval Keppler says he misses VictoryLand.
“I always look at it and it gives me a sick feeling, because I have to drive another 200 and something miles to enjoy it,” he said.
VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor released a statement saying he congratulated Poarch Creek Indians on their new casino, but saying it was “wrong and illegal” for the state to ” treat VictoryLand and Macon County differently.”
A trial is set for June to decide whether the state can keep the $220,000 and more than 1,600 machines the attorney general’s office seized.   Â
Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford says the city is suing Attorney General Luther Strange, saying the casino’s closure is a violation of the Civil Rights Act, because Macon County residents voted to allow electronic bingo in 2003.
