Alabama gambling debate intensifies ahead of 2025 legislative session

The fight over gambling expansion in Alabama is heating up ahead of the 2025 legislative session, with advocates pushing for a state lottery and legal sports betting, while opponents warn of economic and social risks.  

The Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama has launched a social media campaign urging lawmakers to let voters decide on a state-run lottery, arguing that Alabama is losing millions to neighboring states with lotteries.  

"We've never been closer!!! Here in 2025, we have the momentum to vote on an Alabama Lottery," the group said in an ad linking to its "Give Alabama A Voice" petition. The campaign claims that lottery revenue could fund schools and infrastructure without raising taxes, as per 1819 News.

Meanwhile, the Sports Betting Alliance is advocating for the legalization of online sports betting, citing consumer protections and potential tax revenues of $65 million to $90 million annually.  

"Legalizing online sports betting would protect people against predatory, offshore betting sites and generate tens of millions in new tax revenue," the Sports Betting Alliance said.

In contrast, the Alabama Policy Institute (API) launched an anti-gambling website on Monday, arguing that gambling would create a "perverse incentive" for the state to rely on gambling losses as a funding source.  

"Legalizing casino-style gambling and establishing a lottery is bad public policy, both fiscally and socially, and it is the wrong solution to address the state's unsustainable fiscal trajectory,” API stated, warning that gambling expansion could lead to "government expansion" and greater financial instability for families.  

Alabama remains one of the few states without a lottery, and the 2025 legislative session, beginning next week, is expected to be a battleground for gambling legislation. With strong opposition and vocal support from different groups, the fate of gambling in the state remains uncertain.