Lottery jackpot draws attention to Alabama's stalled gambling legislation
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots totaling $1.9 billion have people in Alabama crossing state lines in search of winning tickets. That's because the Alabama Constitution prohibits lotteries and gambling.
Current legislation in the Alabama Legislature to establish lotteries, tribal and commercial casinos, and sports betting faces an uncertain future. Lawmakers were deeply divided and had little time to resolve their differences when they returned to Montgomery on April 2. Each legislative session lasts only 30 days, and there are only 12 days left before the current session ends in May, during which legislators have the opportunity to pass bills.
As time passes, the House and Senate remain divided over how much of a gamble each chamber is willing to accept.
Alabama Rep. Sam Jones (D-Mobile) noted that Senate amendments to HB 151/152 would bring a lottery, multiple casinos and sports betting to the state.
The Senate has removed sports betting and casino gambling from its legislation.
“It’s very disheartening to see what’s happened,” Rep. Jones said in an interview with the “Alabama Politics This Week Podcast.” "We spent 13 months crafting a really good bill and it was defeated by the Senate in less than six days. I honestly don't know where things are going right now. I don't think anyone is doing that."
like . The report said a conference committee was a potential way to try to bridge the gap between the two bodies. In conference committees, lawmakers appointed by each chamber meet to resolve differences and seek compromises.
What’s in the Gambling Bill
House Bill 151 proposes an amendment to the state constitution that would allow official state lotteries, casino-style gaming only at up to seven locally licensed licensed gaming establishments, limited sports betting, traditional sweepstakes and Traditional paper bingo.
HB 151 passed on February 15th. The partnership bill, HB 152, also passed. If gambling is approved, the governor would establish a state gambling commission and a lottery to regulate the proposed legal form of gambling.
The Senate passed the measures, which abolished all forms of gambling except lotteries and allowed some limited horse racing at some casinos.
The Senate also splits state lottery funding into three parts: the education fund, the Department of Transportation and the general fund. The changes have been sent back to the House and will await lawmakers' attention on April 2.
Take out the money
Supporters of gambling measures say Alabama loses more than $1.2 billion annually due to the lack of comprehensive gambling laws.
Officials in Tennessee and Florida reported that the highest-grossing lottery sales were along the Alabama border. Georgia officials say that over the past 20 years, proceeds from Alabamians' participation in the state's lottery have often been used to send Georgia children to college. In Mississippi, casinos welcome money brought in across state lines.
In Alabama, any gambling proposal must be approved by three-fifths of the Legislature and a majority of voters.
Alabama residents have not voted on gambling since a lottery proposal was rejected in 1999.
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Source: www.casino.org
