Alabama's Gambling Expansion Bills Face Uncertain Future

Alabama's efforts to expand gambling through lottery and casino bills appear to have stalled, with limited time remaining in the legislative session. Sen. Merika Coleman (D) introduced SB257 to allow voters to vote on adding a lottery, casinos, and sports betting. Rep. Phillip Ensler (D) introduced the “Clean Lottery Act” (HB448) to create a state lottery.

Both bills now appear stalled and seem unlikely to get out of committees for a full vote in the Legislature. Alabama has limited gaming and is one of only five states without a lottery. The bill would have earmarked some funds for direct rebate checks for Alabama residents, public education and public health programs.

The state currently has only three tribal casinos owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Lawmakers in neighboring states are also considering gaming legislation. In Mississippi, lawmakers are debating whether to add mobile sports betting. In South Carolina, legislators have pushed to legalize casinos, but those efforts look like they will come up short as well. Georgia has also attempted casino and sports betting legalization efforts, but those bills also failed.