Poarch Band, McGregor Respond To Suit, Raid

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Credit PCI Gaming / Poarch Band of Creek Indians

The Wind Creek Casino in Atmore is one of three casinos run by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that AG Luther Strange seeks to close.

Gambling operators say the state is overstepping its bounds by trying to shut down four casinos in Alabama.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians says the state lacks the power to shut down its three electronic bingo operations in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka.

The state filed suit Tuesday claiming the gambling centers are illegal.

And an attorney for VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor says the state's raid on the east Alabama casino is improper. McGregor lawyer Joe Espy says no court has ever ruled that VictoryLand's machines are illegal.

The moves were the state's latest in the state's long-running effort to shut down what it contends are illegal gambling operations.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.