Alabama Lottery and Gambling Proposal Dead for Now
There will be no movement on a lottery or gambling bill in Alabama during the current legislative session.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:There was a great deal of speculation, which was brought to an end by Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman on Thursday afternoon. He confirmed that discussions surrounding a bill to allow Alabama voters to decide on a lottery and expanded gaming will not advance. Talks on the matter have mostly taken place privately, with Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, leading the charge behind the scenes.
With 12 meeting days remaining in the session, both budgets still awaiting approval, and other important bills and measures demanding focus and attention, the comprehensive gaming bill released today is simply too little, too late, and has too few votes to pass.
He added that passing such a bill would require lengthy and complex negotiations among senators, along with securing solid commitments well before the session begins.
Related: Charles Barkley Keen on Casino Ownership in Alabama
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Legislation Not Officially Filed by Albritton
Albritton, who has driven Republican-led gambling efforts for multiple sessions, had not officially filed legislation but had provided specifics to local press outlets. He recently revised the proposal and allocated $150 million of potential revenue toward road improvements in the hope of gaining more legislative backing. For a constitutional amendment to pass, the bill would need 21 votes in the Senate.
However, Albritton had to concede that the bill doesn’t have enough support. He believes that the issue is complicated by too many competing special interests. He added that he has no plans to push the legislation further in this session or in the quadrennium.
This may be because next year’s legislative session coincides with an election year, when lawmakers typically avoid controversial topics.
Bill Contained Plans for Special Election in September
Albritton’s latest draft would have scheduled a special election in September, allowing voters to decide on legalizing lottery ticket sales and Class II electronic gaming at six racetracks statewide. It also would have permitted sports betting and initiated negotiations for a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The proposal included a 24% tax rate on gambling activities.
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