Alabama lawmakers delay legal gambling vote
Should the proposal pass in the Senate, the matter would go before voters this summer.
A recent Alabama Senate voting delay has kept the possibility of a legal gambling market alive until the end of the state’s legislative session, according to an Associated Press report.
However, opposition to the current bill on the table could pass back the vote.
The Senate’s initial vote was short by one to win approval, the local report said. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed told reporters that the previous vote served as a test vote that allows the proposal to be revisited another time.
Reed went on to add, “The bills are carried over, so the legislation is still available to us to continue to debate it.”
The current proposal had no problem passing the House of Representative a couple of months ago. If the Senate approves it before the end of the session, Alabama voters would have the chance to pull the level in favor of expanded gambling statewide.
Lawmakers would need to approve the proposal by three-fifth majority in order for the matter to go before voters 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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