Alabama Senate leadership change unlikely to increase odds of gambling bill's passage

The upcoming legislative session in Alabama may not bring significant progress for a gambling and lottery package, according to State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville). Despite recent shifts in Senate leadership and developments in the gaming industry, the proposal remains a contentious issue within the state legislature.  

In the final days of the 2024 session, a gambling and lottery package narrowly missed passage in the Senate, falling short by a single vote after clearing the House. However, the odds of passage in the next session appear to have diminished following leadership changes and shifting dynamics within the Senate.  

State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) has been nominated to succeed Senate President Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper), who will resign effective January 1 to join Gov. Kay Ivey's administration as a senior advisor for workforce transformation. Reed, who historically opposed gambling but ultimately voted in favor of the 2024 package, leaves a key seat in the gambling debate.  

Givhan, a vocal opponent of previous gambling proposals, outlined the challenges ahead during an interview on Huntsville’s WVNN radio. “Greg hated gambling. I don’t know why he voted for it, but he did. That yes vote is leaving, and most likely, a no vote is coming in,” he said.  

Givhan suggested that these changes, combined with other shifting stances within the Senate, could widen the gap for gambling proponents. “Right now, you have 14 no votes, and you’ve got two senators that I think are going to change from yes to hard no,” he added.  

Compounding the legislative hurdles is the Alabama House of Representatives’ continued reluctance to initiate gambling bills. “The House has said repeatedly they’re not going to start the bill,” Givhan said, highlighting the procedural challenge of securing affirmative votes in the Senate under the new caucus rules, which require majority support from Senate Republicans to advance legislation.  

Further complicating the outlook is the impending replacement for Reed’s Senate seat, which is expected to introduce another no-vote until a successor is appointed. “You have to have affirmative votes,” Givhan stated, “and you’re just not there.”  

Meanwhile, Alabama’s gaming industry is experiencing notable consolidation. In November, Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, announced an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Race Course from the McGregor family. The deal, which also includes Victoryland Casino, is expected to close in early 2025, signaling strategic positioning ahead of any legislative changes.  

Givhan tempered expectations for the 2025 session, predicting limited traction for gambling legislation. “Everything I hear is that it’s not coming forward this quadrennium,” he said. “If it doesn’t come forward this session, we know it’s not going to come forward in the last year.”