Alabama state Reps. Chris Blackshear and Andy Whitt will sponsor a gambling bill that would strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling and allow legal gambling at “a very minimum number of licensed” casinos. The measure also would create a state lottery and offer sports betting, with revenue directed to education.
According to the Alabama Reflector, Blackshear said, “We will be drastically reducing the number of locations that you can voluntarily go in and play a game. At those locations, you voluntarily walk in to play a game, you may potentially have more options of playing than you currently do. But, definitely, I’m going to make sure I’m clear, definitely, no casino iGaming forms allowed on your cellphones.”
Whitt and Blacksher emphasized no outside groups are involved in writing the legislation. “This is truly drafted by legislators,” Whitt said. The legislation would put forward a constitutional amendment, which would have to be approved by voters statewide, most likely this November if it passes the legislature.
Both House and Senate Democrats support casino gambling and a lottery. Republicans in both chambers don’t agree on which provisions to include, or not, in the legislation; several strongly oppose gambling in any form. State Senator Greg Albritton, a gambling supporter, told the Reflector he’s had discussions with House members. “I don’t know if the House and the Senate are ever on the same page but I think we are closer on this topic than we’ve ever been.”
Blackshear said he and Whitt are seeking a sponsor in the Senate. “My perspective of the Senate is a lot of their members are in a wait-and-see mode. What is the House going to do? You know, they’ve stuck their neck out there multiple times. We’ve never reciprocated. So, I think the only way it’s fair is we have to show the Senate that we’re ready to play ball in the House,” he said.
Under local constitutional amendments, VictoryLand in Macon County and Greene County Entertainment in Greene County are permitted to offer gambling. Also, the federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates electronic bingo casinos in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka. Under federal law, the tribe would have to negotiate a compact with the governor to offer slot machines and table games.
A Poarch Band spokesperson said the tribe operates within “a highly regulated framework for tribal gaming under federal law” and could “only support legislation that ensures any other gaming in the state is also regulated within the context of the law, and that is why we’ve always kept the lines of communication open regarding a compact. We support a comprehensive gaming plan that should include a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, a lottery, regulated gaming with rules, revenues and rewards and sports betting.”
Gambling opponents also have expressed their concerns. The Alabama Policy Institute stated, “Gambling is a bad bet for Alabama families. Suggesting that it is an issue that is ‘left up to the voters’ is not an appropriate response for a conservative legislator. Any attempts to expand gambling or establish a state-run lottery should be rebuffed.”
Per the Reflector, Alabama Farmers Federation Communications Outreach Director Mary Wilson said members are committed to working to “prevent the passage or limit the expansion of gambling in the state. We support engaging with political partners to prevent the passage or limit the expansion of gambling in the state. We support full enforcement of Alabama’s laws related to gambling. We oppose gambling in all forms including casino gaming, a state lottery, sports betting, electronic gaming and online gambling.”
