Alabama senator weighs in on gambling package discussion
Gambling is currently illegal statewide.
Key Points
- Senator Givhan said he does not believe this will pass next year
- However, he noted that lawmakers are open to discussion
As talk of allowing gambling within Alabama’s borders continues, one lawmaker has said that he does not see a gambling package coming forward for 2025, according to an 1819 News local report.
Alabama Senator Sam Givhan shared with local news during a radio interview that he is not confident the state will approve a lottery and gambling package next year.
He commented, “The House has said repeatedly they’re not going to start the bill, and I don’t see how the Senate, somebody may file one, but I don’t see where it goes anywhere. So, it’s clearly a no vote there and then with our new caucus rule that says a majority of our caucus has to support a bill to go forward, you’re just not there. You’re not close to it. It’s all fun to talk about. I’m not saying we don’t talk about it, because we do. I don’t mean you and me. I’m talking about my colleagues and I.
“I just don’t see it coming forward. Everything I hear is that it’s not coming forward this quadrennium because if it doesn’t come forward this session, we know it’s not going to come forward with any meaningful stuff in the last year because that’s where it’s going to be all powder puff stuff.”
Good to know: Alabama as no legal gambling markets
In fact, the state has pushed to crack down on illegal gaming activity through proposed legislation that would significantly raise the penalties.
Should the bill pass, the charge for operating illegal gambling could be changed from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony.
Fines could increase from up to $6,000 to up to $15,000 under the terms of the proposed bill. A second offense could bring with it a Class B felony and prison time ranging from two to 20 years, along with a $30,000 fine.
This would apply to those charged with “possession of electronic gambling machines and other offenses.”
In addition to the higher charge, violators could face an increase in fines that would more than double what the penalty in Alabama is now.
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