Alabama's gambling and lottery laws face huge difficulty in 2024
The chances of a casino gaming and lottery bill being introduced in Montgomery, Alabama’s capital, this year could be very high.
When it comes to gambling, it's a bit like Groundhog Day at the Alabama State Capitol, as lawmakers continue to introduce casino and lottery bills only to meet a similar fate of legislative gridlock. Articles have been written almost every year since 1999 about efforts to expand gambling in the Cotton State, but without success.
The 2024 session begins on February 6 and runs through March 11. While separate casino and lottery laws are expected to be introduced, as well as a gambling package that could include both, state lawmakers have laid out the possibility of something happening. And those opportunities aren't entirely good.
State Sen. Sam Giffhan (R-Huntsville) told 1819 News the Senate has no interest in considering a gambling bill.
I don’t think there will ever be a vote,” Givhan said.
Palace's enthusiasm for gambling measures is also questionable.
“We need to analyze what we need to do to prevent this unwarranted expansion of gambling,” Rep. Joe Lovevaughn (R-Auburn), chairman of the House Rules Committee, told the Alabama Reflector.
Statewide referendum required
The Alabama Constitution specifically prohibits commercial entities from operating lotteries and games of chance.Local variations allow pari-mutuel betting in some counties, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates three Indian casinos with electronic bingo in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetupka.
All other forms of gambling, including lotteries, commercial casinos and tribal casinos with Las Vegas-style slot machines and table games, online gaming, sports betting and racetracks remain prohibited. Alabama is one of only five states without a lottery, along with Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.
In order to change the state constitution and allow any new form of gambling, a simple majority (50% plus one vote) must be obtained in a statewide referendum. A 2020 survey conducted as part of Gov. Kay Ivey’s Gaming Policy Research Group found that Alabamians want access to the state lottery and the legal ability to purchase Mega Millions and Powerball tickets.
The study found that nearly 71 percent of likely voters strongly or somewhat support a statewide lottery. Only 25% were opposed or strongly opposed to creating a lottery, and about 4% were unsure.
Redistribute focus
Alabama Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Baldwin) said that even if Alabamians want a lottery, Republican lawmakers would be wise to delay considering a lottery bill to initiate a referendum until Nov. After the election.
Alabama recently redistricted under a federal court order. The map redesign is expected to be Democrats' best chance of winning the state's 2nd Congressional District, which has been held by Republicans since 2011.
Elliott said in December that introducing a lottery and/or casino referendum on the 2024 ballot could boost Democratic turnout.
"This will increase Democratic turnout," Elliott said. “That’s not what the majority in either chamber should do.”
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Source: www.casino.org
