Alabama lawmaker hopes for breakthrough with lottery bill

Senator Albritton, long-term advocate for the bill, believes it will pass in 2023.

Alabama’s next legislative session brings a new four-year term for lawmakers and, in the case of Senator Greg Albritton, this represents a new opportunity to pass his lottery bill.

Albritton has planned a comprehensive lottery bill for the state; however, last session it failed to pass. The bill would have established a limited number of casinos, a lottery and created a compact with the Poarch Creek Indian tribe, a tribal operator in Clay County, Alabama.

Regarding his renewed attempt to pass the lottery bill, Albritton commented, “I hope I can. I’m doing all that I’m able to do. I’m still trying to work with House members, and trying to reach out to the Governor’s office to find out where we are and to draw a consensus.”

Kay Ivey, the Governor of Alabama, has said that not getting the bill through the last session was one of her “biggest regrets.” She said she at least wanted to give voters a choice on the ballot.

Alabama political analyst Steve Flowers believes the upcoming session will provide the best opportunity to get the lottery bill passed. He said, “The first year of four-year terms is when things like this get addressed. That’s what makes it more likely that this will be the year.”

Albritton has long argued that the Yellowhammer State needs to take control of its gambling industry, as potential revenue is currently being funneled out to neighboring states. He commented: “I think there’s a recognition that Alabama needs to take control of this industry. We need to benefit from gambling that’s already going on.”

Alabama remains one of only five states nationwide without a lottery. The next session will take place in March 2023, so it will still be a long wait for Alabama bettors even if the bill does pass.

Robert Collins

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