In a 22-11 vote, the Alabama Senate advanced HB 152, which would authorize a state lottery, permit historical horse racing (HHR) machines at seven locations and require Governor Kay Ivey to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, eventually allowing full-fledged casinos at the tribe’s three sites. The Senate also passed HB 151, authorizing the constitutional amendment.
The bill is a scaled-back version of the original proposal, designed to reach enough votes to pass the House and Senate. It does not include sports betting and additional casinos. State Senator Greg Albritton, who is shepherding the measure through the Senate, said, “It’s true of any legislation. It’s trying to find what we can pass.”
The bill now returns to the House where lawmakers could accept the Senate’s changes or send it to a conference committee. According to the Associated Press, State Rep. Chris Blackshear, House bill sponsor, said, “We want to take our time, be very deliberate.”
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton said he hopes the proposal will go to a conference committee.
“I think that conference is where we’ll be able to get a product out that will satisfy both Houses. I don’t know what that is going to look like. But we will have a comprehensive game plan, hopefully,” Singleton said, per the AP.
Governor Kay Ivey told the news website 1819 News she’s reviewing the gambling proposal to determine if the bill passed by the Senate is “a good deal” for Alabama.
“I will be thoroughly reviewing the latest versions to ensure what goes to the people is a good deal for the state.” Ivey told 1819.
According to the bill, the slot-like HHR machines would be located at the state’s four dog racetracks in Greene, Jefferson, Macon and Mobile counties, as well as Houston, Lowndes and Greene counties.
The proposal also would require the legislature to establish a law enforcement division within the Alabama Gambling Commission to police lottery games and other gambling activities and crack down on unlawful gambling activities.
If both chambers approve the Senate proposal, a voter referendum would be held on September 10. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter told the AP, “People want to vote. That’s what our polling show. It’s overwhelming that the people of Alabama want a chance to vote.”
Alabama is one of few states that doesn’t have a lottery. In 1999, voters rejected a lottery proposal by then-Governor Don Siegelman.
