The Alabama Legislative Assembly has authorized a lottery, but not wagering on sporting events.
A joint committee in Alabama introduced a modified gambling proposal to the House on Tuesday (April 30), which the House approved. The legislation will now be sent to the Senate, and if passed there, citizens will determine whether the state should establish a lottery and digital betting games.
The House approved the constitutional amendment HB 151 by a vote of 72-29, and the framework bill HB 152 by a vote of 70-29.
The lottery is anticipated to begin operations sometime in 2026.
Alabama is currently one of five states in the US without a lottery. Voters in the state rejected a proposal to add a lottery in 1999. Three of Alabama’s four neighboring states provide some form of legal wagering on sporting events. Only Georgia does not have legal gambling. Tennessee and Florida offer statewide mobile betting on sporting events.
Mississippi offers in-person gambling. A proposal to expand Mississippi sports betting to statewide mobile betting failed in a joint committee on Monday (April 29).
Representative Chris Blackshear stated that the committee presented “the best legislation we could develop to allow the people to vote.”
The suggestion to broaden gaming, initially presented in February, has been considerably reduced.
These legislative proposals aim to permit the state to offer its own lottery and join the multi-state lottery. In theory, if voters endorse the proposal, they will be able to purchase Powerball or Mega Millions tickets.
Blackshear stated that the bills would establish a special election on August 20th to authorize the lottery. The legislation would allow for instant lottery tickets, electronic gaming at seven designated locations, traditional bingo games, and standard drawings. The lottery would be overseen by the Alabama Education Lottery, with proceeds allocated to various educational programs. Slot machines and other forms of gambling revenue would be directed to the general fund.
Electronic gaming would be permitted at designated racetracks in Greene, Jefferson, Macon, and Mobile counties, and at bingo halls in Greene, Houston, and Lowndes counties. The bill necessitates the governor to engage in negotiations with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians regarding trust land and three categories of gaming. The tribe currently operates three Class II retail casinos on Indian reservations.
Legislators debated the bill for over an hour, with most expressing support and commending the conference committee. Another key point was that having a state lottery would retain Alabama’s funds within the state. Several lawmakers highlighted that residents travel to Florida or Tennessee to purchase lottery tickets.
The legislation will be forwarded to the Senate from the House, potentially later this week. The Alabama legislative session is slated to conclude on May 14th.
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