Lawmakers in the State of Alabama are set to vote on proposed legislation that would permit a state lottery, along with legal sports betting and casino to function statewide, according to an Associated Press report.
A “yes” vote from legislators could mean that Alabama voters could decide the fate of sports betting in the Deep South state during this fall’s general election. 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 lawmakers in the House of Representatives currently have two bills to consider. The first would amend the state’s constitution to allow gambling. The second is a bill outlining the details for how casinos in the state would operate, where they would be located and how gambling in these casinos would be regulated.
Should the bills pass, players around the state would have access to in-person sports betting, as well as to online sports wagering platforms. 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 are located in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery, the report said.
The other seven would be issued licenses by a newly established Alabama Gaming Commission. These casinos would be outside Tribal land.
House Speaker Pro Tempore Chris Pringle told the Associated Press that lawmakers are “just getting to read the full bills.”
