Alabama House approves bill to set up statewide legal gambling market

The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a proposal that could establish state-regulated gambling, according to an Alabama Reflector local news report. The package will now move up to the Senate for approval.

Currently, the state constitution through local amendments allows for electronic bingo but no other forms of gambling.

However, two bills on the table could change that.

HB 151 addresses adding a constitutional amendment that would permit statewide gambling.

HB 152 establishes tax rates on legal gambling and outlines 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, Alabama players 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.

A newly established Alabama Gaming Commission would issue the other seven licenses to casinos outside of Tribal land.

State Representative Chris Blackshear, who sponsored both bills, told local news, “Finally, at least from the House perspective, we heard you loud and clear from the polling, and we’re giving the citizens the right to decide what they want in the state as it relates to gaming.”

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently released a statement to show her support of the current bills.

She said in the statement, “The proposal passed by the House will clean up and crack down on the rampant illegal gambling and will give Alabamians the opportunity to have their say on regulated, limited forms of gaming.”

Amanda Foster

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