In Alabama, state Senator Greg Albritton announced he’s going to try again to get a comprehensive gambling bill passed in the next legislative session beginning in March 2023. He said, “I’m doing all that I know to do. I’m still trying to work with House members and reach out to the governor’s office to find out where we are and to draw a consensus.”
Last year, Albritton unsuccessfully sponsored a bill that would have legalized a lottery, allowed a limited number of casinos and negotiated a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians.
Earlier this year, Governor Kay Ivey said her main regret from the last session was that lawmakers didn’t pass a gambling bill that would have allowed the issue to be included on the ballot.
Albritton noted Alabama is one of only five states without a lottery. He said the state needs to regulate gambling and keep the money that’s currently going to other states. “I think there’s a recognition that there’s a need that Alabama takes control of this industry. Alabama needs to benefit from the gaming that’s already going on,” Albritton said.
Political analyst Steve Flowers said the upcoming session could be the year for expanded gambling in Alabama since it’s not an election year. Flowers said, “The reason it didn’t pass or be addressed this last year was because it was an election year. The first year of the 4-year term is when things like this are addressed, so that’s what makes it more likely this will be the year.”
Albritton agreed, to a certain extent. He said, “There’s an argument to that effect, but I’m not sure if that’ll have any bearing. We’ll have a lot of new people yes, and the education process not only on this but on other bills will be important for the newcomers to get a grasp of.”
