Alabama lawmakers end session without voting on gambling bill
Despite passing in the House, the Senate did not reach a decision.
Alabama legislation ended its latest session without voting on expanded gambling, according to a recent Associated Press report. The Senate was to consider a bill that would legalize an Alabama state lottery, slot machines and video poker.
Lawmakers reached a stalemate on the most recent legal gambling bill after a push to advance the bill fell short by one vote in an earlier session.
A passing vote would have allowed Alabama players access to in-person sports betting, as well as to online sports wagering platforms. The bill would have 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 have included the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ three existing bingo operations that reside in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery, the report said.
The House of Representatives passed the current proposal several months ago. But, without approval in the Senate by the end of this session, Alabama voters will not have the chance to pull the lever in favor of expanded gambling statewide on August 20.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter shared his thoughts on the recent outcome.
He told reporters, “There was a lot of effort to try to make it work. I think the people want a chance to vote. I hear that everywhere I go.”
To date, more than 35 states have embraced regulated sports betting since the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in May 2018, also known as the Bradley Act.
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