The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is betting that Interstate 65 travelers won’t be able to bypass Wind Creek, a 17-story hotel and gaming facility which opened Tuesday in Atmore.

Media and elected officials toured the facility Monday, which features a 225,000-square-foot casino, 1,600 electronic gaming machines and upscale and international dining on a 35-acre tract of gently rolling farm land.

A 160,000-square-foot hotel with 236 rooms is slated to open later this month and expansion plans are in the works, according to Jay Dorris, PCI gaming president and CEO.

“We hope to attract people with traditional gaming but no table games such as black jack,” Dorris said. “Our focus is on people who want to play electronic bingo. That is where we make our money. Our niche is slot machines because it is more profitable.”

Dorris said the $240 million investment is on pace for a $48 million annual payroll and employs 800 staffers, including 120 tribal workers.

James Martin, Creek Indian Enterprises president, said the facility is better than Mississippi gaming sites. He also said his optimism for success of the facility was not dampened by recent reports of a scale-down of the Golden Moon Hotel and Casino operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia, Miss.

“We made a dozen reconnaissance trips to look at casinos across the country and this was a tribe endeavor to create the very best,” Martin said. “What sets us apart is focusing on slot customers, great food and a friendly place that welcomes you with open arms.”

Cindy Lee, president of the Atmore Chamber of Commerce, said the project has created a destination site and  economic growth.

“The Poarch Creek imprint is large in Atmore,” Lee said. “Wind Creek has changed the area. The increased employment has had a positive effect for businesses and the real estate market. This project has exceeded all our expectations.”