Lottery, Casino Bill Passes Key Vote in Alabama House
If approved by both chambers of the Legislature – the proposal would go before Alabama voters in the November General Election.
Lottery and casino legislation passed a key test Thursday in the Alabama Legislature as the House of Representatives approved a very widespread gambling proposal aimed to get that measure before voters in November. The House of Representatives has approved the proposed Constitutional Amendment to allow up to 10 sites – with table games and slot machines, state lottery, and to allow sports betting at in-person locations – and also through online platforms.
It would also authorize the governor to negotiate – with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The measure passed on a 70 – 32 vote exceeding the needed 63 yes votes in the House for a proposed change to the Alabama Constitution. It will now move to the Alabama Senate. If it wins final approval in the Statehouse, the proposal will go before the Alabama voters in the November general election – the FIRST public vote on gambling since a proposed lottery was rejected in 1999.
Legislation says a new Alabama Gaming Commission would issue those licenses for up to seven casinos – reserving a total of six for Jefferson, Greene, Macon, Mobile, Lowndes and Houston counties. A final licensed site – with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians – would give the tribe a license to open a casino in addition to the three existing tribal sites, on non-tribal land in the northeastern corner of the state, near the Georgia state line.
The Legislative Services Agency estimated taxes – on the proposed forms of gambling would generate between $635 million and $913 million – in revenue annually. While legislation names uses such as using the lottery money for scholarships to two-year and to technical colleges – it doesn’t guarantee a funding level.
Governor Kay Ivey issued the following statement:
“I have long said the people of Alabama deserve to have another say on gaming, and today’s passage of HB151 and HB152 in the House is an important step forward and very significant, as this has not been accomplished by the House in years. The proposal passed by the House will clean up and crack down on the rampant illegal gambling and will give Alabamians the opportunity to have their say on regulated, limited forms of gaming. This is a tough, complex issue, and I commend Rep. Chris Blackshear, Rep. Andy Whitt and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter for their leadership. I also commend each House member who voted today to limit, regulate and tax gaming and lottery activities in Alabama. I will remain engaged as this legislation moves to the Senate. In their current form, these bills will continue to have my support.”