For several years, Alabama lawmakers have seemed keen on figuring out some way forward with sports betting and other gambling issues.
That all might have unraveled this year after Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger declared gambling legislation dead for the year. Sen. Greg Albritton, a key sponsor for sports betting in Alabama, declared gambling issues dead for the next 20 years.
“We’ve been struggling with this for 25-26 years already … I don’t see anything changing,” Albritton told AL.com.
Prickly Alabama Sports Betting Hopes
Alabama remains one of five states without a state lottery and a mishmash of local gambling laws. Lawmakers have tried for the past quarter century to establish a lottery.
More recently, they have included casino gambling and online sports betting in their efforts. Various legislation has crossed over from its chamber of origin but failed beyond that.
“We’ve tried everything we can on this bill over the years,” Albritton told AL.com. “One thing has been proven is that it doesn’t matter what the bill says, period. If the word ‘gaming’ or ‘gambling’ shows up on the page, it’s a ‘no’ vote.”
2025 Had Long Odds
Last year, the House passed gambling legislation that resembled an effort the Senate previously had championed. The Senate killed it.
This year, House leadership put the ball in the Senate’s court to start conversations.
Albritton worked to whip up the necessary votes but continued to fall short. Still, he floated a plan last week to help stir discussion before Gudger’s declaration.
Albritton’s plan included:
- State lottery
- Electronic casino games at six existing racing tracks and bingo halls
- Online sports betting
- 24% tax on gambling revenue
- Requirement that the state enter compact negotiations with Poarch Band of Creek Indians
- Creation of an Alabama Gaming Commission
- Repeal of 17 local regulations
Gov. Ivey Supports Public Vote
Last year’s effort fell a vote short in the Senate. Meanwhile, Gov. Kay Ivey has long supported the idea that Alabamans be able to vote on the issue. Previous polls have shown up to 80% of Alabamans support a lottery.
“Overwhelmingly, they want the right to vote on the issues,” Sen. Andrew Jones told AL.com. “It’s frustrating. It’s disappointing we won’t get anything over the finish line.”
Ivey created a study group on gambling in 2020 to help further inform the legislature on the issue.
