Casinos, Sports Betting Out of Updated Gambling Bills in Alabama

Article by : Erik Gibbs Mar 7, 2024

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Alabama’s foray into sports betting is delayed by at least a year. Despite passing a comprehensive gambling bill in the Alabama House of Representatives, subsequent modifications by a Senate committee eliminated any prospect of legalized sports betting within the state.

The legislative proposals, HB 151 and HB 152, initially encompassed a diverse range of gambling initiatives, including in-state tribal casinos, the introduction of an Alabama lottery and the legalization of parimutuel wagering on horse and dog racing, all subject to voter approval on Election Day.

However, the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee significantly overhauled these bills. The language about sports betting was entirely removed, and the number of authorized tribal casinos was reduced to three.

This development coincides with a period of heightened sports betting momentum in the southeastern United States.

North Carolina is gearing up for the imminent launch of online sports betting next week, while Florida successfully reestablished both its retail and online sports betting operations towards the end of the previous year.

Meanwhile, Georgia, situated to the east of Alabama, is actively exploring sports betting legislation. Pending the approval of these bills, Georgia’s sports betting fate could be determined by voters come November.

These bills are currently advancing to the Senate floor for further deliberation. Should they receive Senate approval, they will return to the House, where members will either endorse or reject the modifications introduced by their Senate counterparts.

The crucial element of mandating a public referendum remains unchanged. To transform these bills into law, Alabama voters must express their support at the ballot box.

While the bills propose expanding Alabama’s gambling offerings and potentially paving the way for future sports betting legislation, enthusiasts anticipating an imminent launch of sports betting in the Yellowhammer State will need to exercise patience as the process unfolds.

Senator Greg Albritton, a Republican representing Atmore, conveyed that the modifications were implemented with the aim of garnering sufficient votes for the legislation’s passage.

Following approval by the Senate Tourism Committee through voice votes, the legislation is poised for review by the Senate. Achieving a three-fifths majority vote, equivalent to the support of 21 out of the 35 senators, is imperative for the constitutional amendment to progress.