The Alabama Legislature is creeping toward its May 5 close, leaving very little time left for the House and Senate to approve a compromise bill being worked out in conference committee.
And as of April 25, the legislative calendar did not include any gambling discussion, although state Rep. Chris Blackshear told the Alabama Reflector the committee has held “several productive meetings.”
The House previously approved a gaming package including a state lottery, up to 10 casino licenses, sports betting and a regulatory framework. It would put the issue before voters on the November ballot.
The Senate passed a bill including just a state lottery and a possible gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, plus historical horse racing (HHR) machines at select locations. The tribe, which operates three casinos in the state, has criticized the Senate proposal for harming its exclusivity rights. The Senate version proposes a special election in September.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall also has criticized both gambling bills, saying he would “absolutely not” support them. In an interview with Talk 99.5, Marshall said, “I think the fact that you can raise penalties for misdemeanors to felonies is long since overdue. That’s one of the reasons why you’ve seen individuals take steps to open illegal operations because they don’t feel like there are consequences.”
Marshall continued, “Do I believe that we need a statewide gambling commission and a separate branch of law enforcement to do it? No. They give law enforcement can do its job locally and prosecutors are equipped to be able to enforce it. It’s just a matter of people who swear to an oath to enforce the law, doing the job that they are required to do.”
There are other differences between the bills. House analysts said their bill would generate up to $1.2 billion annually, including $200 million to $350 million from the lottery, $300 million to $400 million from casino gambling and significant revenue from sports wagering and the Poarch Creek compact, depending on the terms.
Lottery revenue would fund educational initiatives. The Senate proposal projects up to $425 million in revenue with fewer gambling options included.
Supporters of expanded gambling point to job creation, tourism and a new source of funding for public services. Opponents note the social costs such as gambling addiction.
