Victor Hagen
The Alabama Senate approved two bills Thursday to allow gambling in the state after adding several amendments, another step toward allowing voters to weigh in on the issue.
HB151 passed by a vote of 22-11, while HB152 passed 23-10 after nearly nine hours of debating.
HB151 would amend the 2022 Constitution of the State of Alabama to allow for gaming in the state. If Alabamians vote to pass the amendment, it would create an education lottery, establish legal gambling and build up to 10 casinos in the state. HB152, if signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, would establish the Alabama Gaming Commission and Alabama Lottery Corp, government entities to regulate the gaming in the state.