Pat Dye, Charles McCrary to head pro-gambling group

0
27
Gambling casino
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

The push to expand gambling in Alabama is gaining some prominent supporters.

Former Auburn University football coach Pat Dye and former Alabama Power Co. President Charles McCrary say they will lead a foundation to legalize a state lottery and allow casinos at the state’s four dog tracks.

The two attended a news conference in Montgomery on Thursday to announce the formation of the new Alabama Jobs Foundation.

The group says a gambling expansion could create 11,000 jobs and add $400 million to state revenues.

The Legislature killed a gambling proposal recently, but Dye and McCrary say they support the legislation by Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh.

Dye says a lottery and casinos could solve the state’s fiscal problems.

The foundation is raising money and recruiting additional leaders.

Republished with permission of The Associated Press.