The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) aren’t giving up on a proposal to build a casino in northeast Alabama despite the surprising defeat that week of Sen. Del Marsh’s bill that would have allowed voters to decide whether to expand gaming in the state.

Wind Creek Hospitality VP of Business Development Arthur Mothershed told The Times-Journal that PCI — the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama — are looking into whether other options remain for bringing it up for consideration again before the scheduled May 30 adjournment. The Senate voted 19-13 in favor of Marsh’s bill, two votes shy of the 21 needed. Lottery and gambling bills require a constitutional amendment, which needs approval by three-fifths of senators and representatives before going on the November 2022 ballot.

“We thought [the bill] would go through,” he said. “We are now working a different avenue to get it reconsidered.”