The Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee in a 6-2 vote recently approved a constitutional amendment that would allow a state lottery. The original measure, sponsored by state Senator Greg Albritton, would create a paper-based lottery and not allow electronic gambling. Albritton’s measure previously passed the state Senate with the minimum number of votes. But the House committee passed a substitute bill, drafted by state Rep. Steve Clouse, which directs 75 percent of lottery revenue to the general fund and 25 percent to the Education Trust Fund. The committee also adopted an amendment to allocate 0.25 percent of net lottery revenue to problem gambler services.
Lotteries are banned under the Alabama Constitution, so a referendum is required to allow it. First, however, three-fifths of House members, or 63 representatives, must approve the legislation. Clouse said he expects the vote to be close, noting the measure is opposed by those who oppose gambling and those who oppose a paper-ticket-only lottery; the latter want electronic machines in Macon and Greene counties where parimutuel betting and bingo are allowed.
Clouse commented, “It’s getting to be exhausting as far as machines versus just paper lottery tickets. And I think most legislators around the state are really getting frustrated with going home and their constituents asking them, particularly when there’s big Powerballs around the nation, why is it that we can’t buy our tickets here in Alabama.”
The Legislative Services Agency estimates a lottery would raise $167 million a year in net revenue after prizes and expenses are paid.
State Rep. Rolanda Hollis voted against the bill in committee. She said, “I don’t think there’s enough going toward the Education Trust Fund, and I just felt like right now it’s a bad bill. I think it’s a lot of deception for constituents out there.”
