The Alabama Senate has advanced a gambling proposal which would allow state lottery and electronic wagering machines to be operated at several locations in the state.
Back in February, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a proposal that could establish state-regulated gambling.
Now, it seems that legislation has taken a step closer.
The bill will now go back to the Alabama House after the 22-11 vote on the proposal, where lawmakers could go along with the changes or send the bill to the conference committee.
This Senate plan would see a state lottery established and would require the Governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which would see the Tribe have casinos with table games at its three sites in the state.
It would also allow for seven locations, including the four dog tracks in the state to have “historical racing computerized machines.”
Those supporting the proposal are trying to get it before voters, something the Yellowhammer State has not seen since 1999 regarding the issue of gambling, when a lottery proposal was rejected.
Should the Senate proposal be approved by both chambers of the Alabama Legislature, the proposal would go before voters on September 10.
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton said: “I think that conference is where we’ll be able to get a product out that will satisfy both Houses.
“I don’t know what that is going to look like. But we will have a comprehensive game plan, hopefully.”
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter added: “People want to vote. That’s what our polling show. It’s overwhelming that the people of Alabama want a chance to vote.”
