Alabama state Rep. Steve Clouse recently announced he plans to introduce a lottery bill that would direct proceeds to pre-kindergarten and college scholarships. The measure would require approval from legislators and voters. Alabama is one of only five states, and the sole Deep South state, without a state lottery. Mississippi’s lottery began last year. “We basically are surrounded now,” Clouse said.
Last year the Alabama Legislative Service Agency estimated a lottery would produce $166.7 million annually. Clouse said he believes that figure would be higher.
State Senator Greg Albritton, who sponsored a lottery bill last year, said the numerous competing factions “make it easier to kill something than to pass something.” Past lottery bills have failed due to opposition to gambling and a turf battle over electronic gambling machines. Last year the state Senate narrowly approved a lottery bill but it stalled in the House. As a result, Albritton said several lawmakers believe this year any lottery bill should originate in the House. “That’s where the last two we’ve sent have died,” he said.
Alabama voters have not considered a lottery bill since 1999, when then-Governor Don Siegelman campaigned on creating a lottery to fund education. Alabamians defeated the measure and the issue has not gone before voters since then.
The lottery debate coincides with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ “Winning for Alabama” public relations campaign seeking a state gambling compact. Legislators whose districts include dog racing tracks have argued the tribe should not have a monopoly on gambling.
The Alabama legislative session will begin February 4.
