By mid-morning on Monday, the people – hundreds of them – were lined up into the parking lot, waiting on the doors to open at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. By the afternoon, the reviews were unanimous – the newest casino in the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ portfolio was a hit, drawing rave reviews from customers, industry leaders and the media for its design, layout and “high-end everything.”

It must be nice, I say, sitting here in Alabama, home of the Poarch Creeks.

It must be nice to have lawmakers who understand the realities of gambling in this country (and that includes Alabama), who aren’t afraid to let the market work and allow willing and capable companies to construct destination resorts in their states.