When the Alabama Legislature convenes on February 6, lawmakers are expected to discuss expanded gambling, including casino gambling, a lottery and sports betting, according to the website 1819 News.
A three-fifths majority is required in the House and Senate to approve a referendum on a constitutional amendment, which requires only a simple majority to pass.
Governor Kay Ivey’s 2020 Study Group on Gambling Policy Report indicated gambling could generate up to $710 million in annual tax revenue for the state. That includes $300 million to $400 million from casino gambling, $200 million to $300 million from a lottery and $20 million from sports betting.
Ivey’s study included a poll showing 63 percent of likely voters supported casino slot machines and 61 percent approved table games; more than 7 in 10 likely voters strongly or somewhat favored a lottery; and more than 50 percent approved of online sports betting. The study also found legalizing gambling would create 19,000 jobs, “many with salary premiums much higher than the state’s current average annual income.”
The House bill would allow the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the state’s only federally recognized tribe, to expand their Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka casinos from Class II bingo facilities to Class III casinos offering Las Vegas-style gambling. The legislation also may allow the tribe to build new casinos in Birmingham and the counties of Macon, Greene, Lowndes, Houston and Mobile.
The Poarch Creek Indians could offer sports betting and commercial operators could apply for online licenses. A new Alabama Gaming Commission would be created to accept applications, issue licenses and regulate sportsbook operations.
Casino gaming taxes and fees would go to the education budget and the general fund budget. Lottery funds would be directed to the education budget and the Class III and sportsbook revenue would go to the general fund budget.
The legislation also would raise the charge for illegal gambling from a misdemeanor to a felony and significantly increase the fines for those convicted. Casino gambling supporters note the proposed bill actually would reduce gambling by shutting down illegal gambling networks.
Alabama is currently one of just a handful of states without a lottery.
