Alabama Gambling Bills Fail to Gain Traction Once Again
Credit: jcsullivan24/Flickr
As the Alabama legislative session winds down, it looks like gambling expansion will once again fall by the wayside. Separate efforts in the state’s two legislative chambers have generated almost no momentum, so it’s unlikely anything will happen in the waning days of the session.
State Sen. Merika Coleman-Evans has backed the most headline-grabbing attempt. Her comprehensive bill, introduced in early February, seeks to “establish a state lottery and authorize in-person casino-style games and in-person and online sports wagering activities.” It would also establish a commission to regulate gambling in Alabama.
Senate Bill 257 never even advanced from its initial committee.
Meanwhile, the House had its own, much less ambitious bills. HB 448/449 from Rep. Phillip Ensler (the “Clean Lottery Act”) would put a referendum in front of Alabama voters, allowing them to vote yes or no on establishing a state lottery.
Like the Senate bills, Ensler’s attempts did not even receive a vote in their initial committee.
While not completely non-existent, Alabama has one of the most limited legal gambling frameworks of any state. Gambling in Alabama is limited to a handful of tribal properties that offer Class II gaming. Machines there can look like slots, but they’re actually bingo-based to remain in accordance with state law.
Actual slots and table games aren’t legal, and there’s no retail sports betting, either. Alabama has no legal online gambling whatsoever.
Momentum From 2024 Fizzles Out
In 2024, Alabama made some progress toward expanded gambling. The House and Senate both spent real time and effort on the matter, but they were unable to come to an agreement on what expanded Alabama gambling should look like.
In the end, a comprehensive bill similar to Coleman-Evans’ fell one vote shy in the Senate.
This time around, no real discussion even took place.
Worse still, Gov. Kay Ivey is entering the last year of her final term. Ivey has signaled support for gambling legislation in the past. It’s no sure thing that her successor will do the same. If the next governor isn’t on board with expanded gambling, then any further progress by the legislature could just wind up stymied by a veto.
Image credit: jcsullivan24/Flickr (license)
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