Alabama legislature renews discussions on gambling legalization

Alabama lawmakers find themselves once more entrenched in discussions around gambling legalization, yet a tangible resolution continues to elude as the House and Senate engage in seemingly disparate dialogues.

The potential for addressing this contentious issue has emerged once again, with legislators considering pathways forward. Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore intends to file a bill that offers a comprehensive approach to tackle the matter, while House members lean towards enforcing existing laws.

"We've got to analyze what we need to do to try to prevent this unwarranted expansion of gaming," stated Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, chair of the House Rules Committee.

Alabama's 1901 Constitution officially prohibits lotteries and games of chance, though local amendments have facilitated limited gaming, mainly at dog tracks. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates gaming facilities in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka. 

However, these venues lack slot machines or table games, which violate state laws, mostly utilizing electronic bingo. Legal interpretations by the Alabama Supreme Court regarding gambling at dog tracks have also led to protracted legal battles.

Past efforts to establish a statewide lottery have consistently faltered, encountering opposition from House Republican caucus members or fears from dog track owners that a lottery might allow the Poarch Band access to gambling machines that would be denied to the tracks. Albritton, who has sponsored previous bills to establish a lottery and address gambling in the state, plans to make another attempt on the issue.

Representative Steve Clouse, R-Geneva, noted the convoluted nature of the gambling issue, citing previous unsuccessful attempts to establish a state lottery. In 2021, a gambling package advanced from the Senate but floundered in the House, perpetuating the historical trend of Senate-approved bills meeting their demise in the House.

Senator Albritton advocates for a "comprehensive" bill encompassing a lottery, casino gambling, a potential agreement with the Poarch Band, and Internet and sports betting to drive progress on the issue. Conversely, Representative Clouse raises concerns about the distribution of gambling tax revenues and venue numbers, historical stumbling blocks for similar bills.

Governor Kay Ivey supports an amendment addressing all forms of gambling, advocating for a statewide vote, noting Alabama residents travel to neighboring states to purchase lottery tickets.

Meanwhile, in the House, discussions center on a potential enforcement bill to address confusion surrounding gambling laws and the inadequate penalties for illegal gambling. Representative Andy Whitt emphasized the proliferation of illegal gambling operations in the state, urging collaborative efforts between the Legislature and law enforcement to eradicate these activities.

Despite the legislative strides, the gambling issue in Alabama remains an ongoing saga, with no definitive conclusion in sight, leaving lawmakers and citizens in continued limbo.