The study group appointed earlier this year by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently presented its 900-page report about the pros and cons of legalizing gambling in the state, one of only five states without a lottery.
The report stated legal gambling would generate $700 million in new revenue and create 19,000 new jobs. However, it noted expanded gambling would create social costs. The study group did not make any specific recommendations.
Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, the panel chairman, said the group found about 60 percent of Alabama adults, or about 2.3 million people, would participate in expanded gambling. An estimated 66,000 of them, or 3 percent, would be problem gamblers, he said. However,
Strange said, “Gambling will work in the state of Alabama,” adding that the advantages would outweigh the disadvantages.
Ivey said as lawmakers consider whether or not to expand gambling, the study group’s research would be “pivotal.” She noted, “The potential to act on gambling is an opportunity that cannot be accomplished solely by a governor or solely by the legislature. It is incumbent on us to work together to provide the citizens of Alabama their opportunity to determine the future of gambling in Alabama.”
Currently the only form of legal gambling allowed in Alabama are video-gaming casinos run by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Bills allowing a state lottery and Class III casinos operated by the Poarch Band failed to get floor votes earlier this year.
