Alabama Senate remains in limbo on legal gambling vote
Some lawmakers doubt this will pass by the end of the session.
As Alabama’s legislative session nears its end, some expanded gambling advocates say a yes vote is unlikely, according to a recent Associated Press report.
Lawmakers have reached a stalemate on the most recent legal gambling bill. Last week, a push to advance the bill fell short by one vote. However, legislators have stalled on taking another vote.
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton told reporters, “I think it’s dead, probably. They don’t have the appetite for bringing it up. Can’t get anybody to talk about it.”
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Chris Blackshear, added that reaching another vote could require “a miracle of Biblical proportion.”
He commented, “I just hope the senators that voted no and couldn’t get on board take time to drive around the state and see for themselves, the problems we have in all 67 counties.”
However, the current proposal had no problem passing the House of Representative a couple of months ago. Without an approval in the Senate by the end of the session, Alabama voters will not have the chance to pull the level in favor of expanded gambling statewide on August 20.
Should sports betting make the ballot, it will be the first time the public has voted on allowing gambling in the state since 1999.
Voters struck down a proposed lottery nearly 25 years ago.
Alabama players would have access to in-person sports betting, as well as to online sports wagering platforms, if voters opt in for legalized gambling. The law would also set up a state lottery and would authorize up to 10 casino locations with slot machines and table games.
Three of the 10 casinos would include the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ three existing bingo operations that reside in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery, the report said.
A newly established Alabama Gaming Commission would issue the other seven licenses to casinos outside of Tribal land.
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