In her recent State of the State address, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey spelled out her legislative priorities for 2024, including a gambling bill allowing a statewide referendum on a lottery and limited casino locations.
“Now is the time for Alabama voters to have another say on this issue,” Ivey said.
A statewide vote on gambling has not occurred since former Governor Don Siegelman proposed a lottery in 1999. Other bills have stalled due to opposition by conservatives and debates over casino licenses.
The current measure’s sponsor, state Rep. Chris Blackshear, said it would authorize a state lottery and up to 10 casino sites. “We’ve kicked the can down the road too long,” he said. “All we are trying to do is put a good package together that allows the citizens of Alabama to decide what they want. Ultimately, their votes decide.”
Rep. Kelvin Lawrence said he hopes the legislation offers “equitable treatment and fairness” to locations where voters have approved gambling, including a long-running gambling hall in his district. He said he will review the full bill before voting since “the devil is always in the details.”
Currently, lotteries and casinos are banned under the Alabama constitution. An amendment would require approval by three-fifths of both House and Senate members and a majority of statewide voters.
If enacted, the bill could generate more than $800 million in annual revenue for the state. In addition to a state lottery and new casinos, the bill would legalize sports betting and require the negotiation of a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The tribe, which currently operates three sites with slot machine lookalikes, would be able to offer casino games at their existing locations and potentially at a new casino site in north Alabama.
Revenues generated from the lottery, casinos, and sports betting would be allocated to different areas. Lottery proceeds would go towards education programs such as scholarships for community and technical colleges. Casino and sports betting revenue would be directed to the general fund, with lawmakers deciding how to allocate it on an annual basis.
The bill is expected to be voted on in committee and on the House floor in the coming weeks. Republican backers of the bill will need to secure the support of both their party members and a substantial number of Democratic lawmakers.
However, some lawmakers from both parties have expressed the need for more time to review the bill before making a decision. Supporters argue that it will help crack down on illegal gambling machines that have appeared in convenience stores and small gambling halls. The state has been engaged in a legal battle to shut down these electronic bingo machines, which resemble slot machines. The proposed legislation aims to regulate and control gambling activities more effectively.
In addition to the potential controversy surrounding the gambling bill, there are concerns about the impact of legalized sports betting on issues such as gambling addiction and the integrity of sports. Critics argue that legalizing sports betting could lead to increased problem gambling and corruption in sports events. Proponents, however, believe that regulation and oversight can mitigate these risks.
