The Tourism Committee of the Alabama State Senate has approved comprehensive gambling legislation.
The bill would authorize sports betting, a state lottery, eight casinos that would be allowed to offer table games and slot machines, plus two limited casinos with up to 300 slots. The facilities would be placed at dog tracks and at locations operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
After a contentious hearing earlier this week, the Tourism Committee moved the bill forward to the State Senate.
Because the legislation would make an amendment to the Alabama state constitution, 60% of lawmakers must vote yes, and then voters would have to give their approval.
The bill, which is sponsored by State Senator Greg Albritton, a Republican, is paired with legislation that would create the framework for a gambling commission.
While Albritton has touted the positives of only allowing a limited number of gaming properties in the Cotton State, those arguing against the bill reportedly say only allowing a handful of licensees is harmful to competition.
Operators of electronic bingo parlors also are opposing the legislation.
Alabama currently has dog tracks in Greene, Jefferson, Macon, and Mobile counties. The bill calls for a bidding process for licenses at those four locations, but allows the operators of the tracks to file their applications after others have done so.
The legislation would allow the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to build casinos at three locations.
An Alabama state lottery would be a novelty. Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, Nevada and Alabama do not currently offer a lottery. Several attempts to authorize a lottery have been shot down in the past.
