Alabama lawmakers eye 2025 for renewed gambling legislation efforts

Alabama lawmakers are preparing to revisit gambling legislation in 2025, following last year’s failed attempt to pass a comprehensive bill. While challenges remain, key stakeholders, including legislators and the influential Poarch Creek Indians, are expected to play critical roles in shaping the debate, as reported by CBS 42.  

“It is here. It is here to stay,” said Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), referring to illegal gambling in the state. “The only thing we can do in Alabama is try to grasp control of that industry so we can protect the public and be a beneficiary of it.”

Albritton, who sponsored last session’s gambling bill, noted that a lack of consensus prevented its passage. “We haven’t been able to garnish the votes in both houses,” he explained.  

The comprehensive bill, which proposed expanding beyond a state lottery, faced opposition in the Senate, leaving the public without a chance to vote on the measure.  

“The people never got an opportunity to vote on it. Really, never got an opportunity to digest it,” said Rep. Sam Jones (D-Mobile), who sponsored the bill in the House.  

Jones expressed openness to working across party lines to bring the issue back to the table and emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Poarch Creek Indians.  

The Poarch Creek Indians, significant players in Alabama’s gambling landscape, are seen as pivotal to the bill’s future. Their recent purchase of the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino signals preparations for a larger role in the state’s gambling operations.  

“This move tells me they’re getting ready to move,” said political analyst Steve Flowers. “If you’re going to have casino gambling in the state, the Birmingham location is the golden goose.”  

Flowers added that the tribe’s influence could outweigh the governor’s ability to push gambling legislation forward. “If they get out of the way or get behind casino gambling, it’ll pass. It won’t pass with the governor’s strength. The governor doesn’t have the strength the casinos do,” he said.  

While Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), another sponsor of last session’s bill, is not currently working on new legislation, he expects several gambling bills to be introduced. “The House has proven that they can and are willing to pass a gaming bill,” Whitt said.  

Lawmakers and stakeholders are optimistic about future discussions, with Jones emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration. “I think that those discussions can continue. I don’t see any reasons why they shouldn’t continue,” he said.