Alabama House Approves Legislation for Statewide Gambling and Lottery
The Alabama House of Representatives passed a two-bill package yesterday, paving the way for a statewide lottery, casinos, and sports betting. The proposed legislation also includes a regulatory structure to oversee these activities. While the package still needs approval from the Alabama Legislature, this development marks a major step forward in the decades-long push for legalized gambling in the state.
The first bill, a nine-page constitutional amendment, authorizes a statewide education lottery, traditional raffles and bingo, casino-style gaming, and sports wagering. It also establishes a 9-member Alabama Gaming Commission and allows the Governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Alabama voters will have the opportunity to approve this amendment on the November 2024 general election ballot.
The second bill, a more detailed proposal, outlines how gambling in Alabama would operate, how illegal operations would be enforced, and how the estimated annual revenue of half a billion dollars would be distributed. This bill also identifies specific sites for up to seven future casinos across the state, including Mobile, Houston, Lowndes, Macon, Greene, and Jefferson Counties. Additionally, one location in Northeast Alabama is reserved exclusively for a potential compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
State Representative Chris Blackshear, the sponsor of both bills, expressed his pride in the legislative body for crafting the legislation without external influence. He emphasized the overwhelming support from Alabama voters, citing recent polling data that indicates 91% of voters are in favor of allowing a vote on the issue.
Opposition to the bill came from lawmakers who have concerns about the social problems and negative economic impacts associated with gambling. Some opponents also expressed reservations about the level of centralized enforcement within the proposed regulatory structure. Alabama's Attorney General, Steve Marshall, voiced "serious concerns" about rewarding those who have violated the state's laws.
Despite the opposition, the passage of the package by the Alabama House represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to legalize gambling in the state. Previous attempts to pass comprehensive gambling legislation fell short in the House, but State Senator Greg Albritton believes that they are now closer than ever to achieving their goal.
The two-bill package will now move on to the Alabama Senate for further consideration.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The two-bill package to allow a statewide lottery, casinos, sports betting, and a regulatory structure passed a vote in the Alabama House. The bills received strong support and were written by lawmakers themselves. The proposed constitutional amendment will be put to a vote in the November 2024 general election. If approved, it would generate significant revenue and benefit education in the state. While there are some concerns and opposition, the progress in the House marks a major milestone in the decades-long effort to legalize gambling in Alabama.
