Alabama lawmakers reject gambling bill, sponsor declares issue dead for decades

Alabama lawmakers have shelved a long-debated bill to legalize gambling and establish a state lottery, with the bill’s sponsor declaring the issue effectively dead for at least the next two decades.

The proposal, which included provisions for a state-run lottery, electronic gambling at six locations, sports wagering, and a revenue-sharing compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, failed to advance before a critical deadline in the legislative session.

“We’ve been struggling with this for 25-26 years already … I don’t see anything changing,” said Republican Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore, who has led efforts to legalize gambling in the state. “One thing has been proven is that it doesn’t matter what the bill says, period. If the word ‘gaming’ or ‘gambling’ shows up on the page, it’s a ‘no’ vote.”

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) announced late last week that the bill would not move forward this spring, a decision supported by House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), who cited “more pressing matters” facing lawmakers.

With only 12 days left in the legislative session, lawmakers pointed to competing legislative priorities such as regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), hemp-derived products, and health care plans for the Alabama Farmers Federation.

“This year, we’re so tied up with PBMs, the hemp stuff and the ALFA health plan that this comes so late that I just don’t believe anyone had an opportunity to get to that,” said Senator Lance Bell (R-Pell City).

The latest setback follows last year’s near-passage of a comprehensive gambling package that fell short in the Senate by a single vote—the closest Alabama has come to putting the issue before voters in decades. Alabama remains one of only five U.S. states without a lottery.

Despite repeated legislative failures, public polling shows overwhelming support for gambling. A November 2023 survey by KAConsulting showed 80% support for a state lottery and 64% for casino gaming. The poll included a majority of Republican respondents. 

“Overwhelmingly, they want the right to vote on the issues,” said Senator Andrew Jones (R-Centre), who supports legalization. “It’s frustrating. It’s disappointing we won’t get anything over the finish line.”

Political strategist Jonathan Gray predicted the debate would remain a central issue in the 2026 statewide elections. “This issue is not going to die,” he said, as reported by AL.com.

Some lawmakers said their opposition stemmed from concerns over how gambling revenue would be allocated. Bell and others objected to earmarks embedded in the bill, while Senator Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) noted the challenge of balancing competing interests in a complex legislative package.

“You have everyone wanting a piece of the pie,” Kelley said. “You get 140 people in the legislature looking at this and everyone wanting something different.”

Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine), who opposed the bill last year, supported ending the debate, saying the measure lacked sufficient support. “It indicated there was no way to make up any ground,” he said. “If it’s going to die, put it out of its misery. It was a smart move for the caucus … for everyone.”

Still, some lawmakers indicated openness to future proposals—if the bill is right. “If the bill is right, I don’t mind (legalizing gambling and lottery),” said Senator Jack Williams (R-Wilmer).