Alabama lawmakers are proposing a compromise that would authorize a state lottery and electronic gambling machines in multiple sites, but the bill is facing uncertain prospects in the closing days of the legislative session. The proposal, approved by a conference committee, aims to put the issue to a statewide vote in August. It will require approval from three-fifths of lawmakers in both the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate to change the state constitution to allow gambling. If approved, the measure will go to a statewide vote on August 20.
Republican Sen. Greg Albritton expressed uncertainty about the bill’s chances in the Senate, stating that the vote is expected to be close in both chambers. The bill sponsor, Republican Rep. Chris Blackshear, described the proposal as authorizing a state lottery and electronic games of chance at sites in seven counties, which would not include table games. These locations would include dog tracks in Macon, Jefferson, Greene, and Mobile counties, as well as sites in Lowndes and Houston counties. The bill would also require the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Sports betting authorization was removed from the legislation.
The legislation has been stalled since March when senators scaled back a House-passed plan that would have allowed a lottery, sports betting, and up to 10 casinos with table games. Disagreements have centered around the referendum date, the number of casinos, and whether sports betting should be permitted. The House of Representatives will vote first on the proposal, followed by potential consideration in the Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed indicated that the Senate might take up the measure on the same night, depending on the outcome in the House.
Lawmakers in Alabama are aiming for the first public vote on gambling in 25 years, with the last proposed lottery in 1999 being rejected by voters. If the current proposal is approved by the legislature and subsequently passed in the statewide vote, it would represent a significant step forward in expanding gambling activities in the state. However, the outcome remains uncertain due to ongoing disagreements and close votes in both chambers. The compromise bill, which authorizes a state lottery and electronic gambling machines at specific locations, represents a potential middle ground between different stakeholders attempting to navigate the complex issue of gambling legislation.
