Alabama sports betting legislation faces uphill battle amid lack of support

Efforts to legalize sports betting in Alabama face significant obstacles as Sen. Greg Albritton, a key proponent of gambling expansion, acknowledged he lacks the necessary votes to advance legislation in the state Senate.

Albritton, a longtime advocate for regulated gambling, said he is two to three votes short of the 21 required for passage and will not introduce a bill unless support materializes.  

“I would have a bill today dropped if I had 21 votes in the Senate,” Albritton said in an interview with the local political TV show Capitol Journal, a local political television show. “I don’t have 21 votes in the Senate.”  

Albritton framed the issue as one of state responsibility, arguing that Alabama has a “moral obligation” to regulate gambling and protect consumers.  

“Last week, before Sunday’s Super Bowl, bets were being made in the State House, I’ll say it that way, on the upcoming Super Bowl. Bets were being made. I think Jalen Hurts made a lot of money for people in Alabama in that win,” he added.

Alabama is one of only five states without a state lottery. Previous gambling proposals have included provisions for a lottery, sports betting, and casino gaming. Last year, the Alabama House passed a gambling package, but the Senate ultimately rejected it.  

Speculation had grown that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI), Alabama’s only federally recognized tribe, might push for gambling expansion after recently purchasing Birmingham Racecourse.

In November 2024, PCI hired prominent lobbying firm Fine Geddie, further fueling speculation about their influence. However, Albritton dismissed the idea that tribal lobbying efforts had swayed lawmakers.  

“It doesn’t seem to [help]. I can’t seem to get my 21 votes,” he said. “That has been investigated, if you will, as to how that would change. I haven’t seen a change. I’ve got about two or three votes shy in the Senate to get this done.” 

Senate President Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger had previously suggested that lawmakers might consider the issue early in the session if there was enough interest.