Let the people decide

The tide could be changing in Alabama as lawmakers push a gambling bill for the state to introduce its first lottery and casinos.

The bill needs 63 votes in the House to pass. If it does, residents will vote on it in the November ballot. At present, Alabama doesn’t have a state lottery. The last time lottery and gambling bills were seriously considered in Alabama was in 2021. While the bill passed the Senate, it failed to gain the support needed to pass the House.

Republican Representative Andy Whitt, who worked on the new 2024 bill, said:

We believe that people deserve the right to vote on this issue.”

According to lawmakers, the gambling bill could bring in at least $800m in yearly revenue to the state. Revenue from the state lottery would go toward supporting education while revenue from the casinos and sports betting would go to the state’s General Fund until it reaches $300m. It currently holds $150m.

Where are the casinos going?

Supporters of the bill claim that it will put a stop to electronic gambling machines appearing in shops. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians already have three sites with slot machines.

The proposed ten casinos would include the three already owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Wetumpka, and Montgomery. There is the potential for a fourth Poarch casino; however, this depends on whether an agreement can be reached between the tribe and Governor Kay Ivey.

According to lawmakers, from the annual revenue, casinos could bring in between $300m to $400m, sports betting could bring in $10m, the state lottery could generate $194m, and the agreement with the Poarch Band of Creeks could see $300m. A 24% tax would apply to casinos on gaming revenue and 17% would apply to sports betting revenue.

Positive favor

Last year, a telephone survey of 405 registered voters found that 91% approved of the legislature allowing people to vote on gambling. A further 76% supported the legislature passing the gambling bill.

18 counties in the state have passed local amendments to circumvent these restrictions

At present, the Alabama Constitution bans lotteries and games of chance. Around 18 counties in the state have passed local amendments to circumvent these restrictions. By passing the gambling bill, lawmakers are keen to control this.

If the proposed bill passes, it would bring all forms of gambling in the state under the control of a new Alabama Gaming Commission.