Alabama seeks to push forward with gambling legislation

Not since March 2022 have hopes in Alabama for the successful passage of a gambling bill been so high. The state has had time to think about the implications of postponing gambling legislation, and it has decided that another shot in 2024 is worth it.

Now, Alabama is hoping to see sports betting, land-based casinos, and a state lottery introduced to the Yellowhammer State. A new bill introduced last week wants to see all of these boxes ticked. The project is backed by Reps. Andy Whitt, Chris Blackshear, and Sam Jones, as well as Sen. Greg Albriton. The bill is also bipartisan, which is one of the issues that the two parties seem to come together and overcome their inherent difference of opinion.

The idea is to have both lawmakers and voters have their say in whether they want to introduce gambling in the state. It would take some trying, too, as first the House of Representatives, the Senate, and then the governor would have to approve the bill, before it can be promulgated, and then put to a vote as part of a referendum.

To introduce gambling to the state of Alabama, voters would have to alter the constitution which is possible through a public direct vote. Yet, there are strong incentives why this would make sense. For one, Alabama is no different than other states in seeking to prop up ailing public funds.

The state General Fund can use the influx of betting and gaming tax revenue. So can various other public spending war chests, including those earmarked for education and scholarships. As more states are legalizing gambling, the idea is suddenly not looking as outrageous as it was only six years ago. The idea is to prop up the General Fund Budget Reserve Fund and help it top $300m – it currently stands at about $150m.

There is also talk to back Medicaid to rural communities, but this is mostly an option and not obligatory to the bill or the subsequent spending of funds raised through gambling.

As to the bill itself, it projects that a total of $802m to $1bn would be generated through the legalization of gambling, coming from lottery, sports betting, casinos, and a compact with the Poarch Creeks. The biggest windfall would come from casinos, followed by the lottery, with sports betting surprisingly bringing up the rear with only $10m.

Regardless, 2024 may be the year that Alabama finally stops tilting at the gambling legalization windmill and does something about it.

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