Efforts to expand gambling in Alabama look to have failed as just a few days remain in the legislative session.
Sen. Merika Coleman (D) introduced SB257 that would allow voters the opportunity to vote on adding a lottery, casinos, and sports betting.
In the House, Rep. Phillip Ensler (D) introduced the “Clean Lottery Act” (HB448) creating a state lottery. The lottery legislation would also require voter approval as the state’s 1901 constitution prohibits lotteries and gambling.
Both bills now appear stalled and seem unlikely to get out of committees for a full vote in the Legislature, according to local media.
Time Running Out
Alabama has limited gaming and is one of only five states without a lottery. Ensler hoped his bill would gain some traction without including any other forms of gambling. Other bills have failed in the past because of significant opposition to casinos.
Despite that, the lottery bill hasn’t found much movement this year either, and the legislative session ends on March 27. The bill would have earmarked some funds for direct rebate checks for Alabama residents. Additional funding would also go to public education and public health programs.
“The fact is that the people of Alabama haven’t had a chance to vote on a lottery in 28 years, even though poll after poll show that roughly 70% of voters support it,” Ensler said in announcing the proposal.
As for casino gaming legislation, that has also been an uphill climb. The state currently has only three tribal casinos owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Alabama’s neighbors are also currently considering gaming legislation. Lawmakers in Mississippi are debating whether to add mobile sports betting.
In South Carolina, legislators have pushed to legalize casinos, but those efforts look like they will come up short as well. Georgia has also attempted casino and sports betting legalization efforts, but those bills also failed.
