Alabama House Rejects Senate Changes To Gambling Legislation

Alabama lawmakers are grappling with legislation to legalize various forms of gambling, including a lottery, as they navigate differences over sports betting and the number of casino locations.

On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to dismiss Senate alterations to the gambling bill and opted for a conference committee to hash out a consensus.

The challenge lies in reconciling a comprehensive plan endorsed by the House, featuring sports betting and up to 10 casinos offering table games, with a more restricted version passed by the Senate, which omits sports betting and permits fewer casinos.

Representative Chris Blackshear, the House proponent of the legislation, expressed his belief that the Senate's narrower version of the bill could potentially forego hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.

Blackshear remains optimistic about reaching a consensus but acknowledges the substantial disparity between the two chambers' proposals. He also emphasized the importance of identifying a middle ground, stressing the significant disparity between the two proposals.

Blackshear highlighted that the current versions are far from alignment and suggested that the first step is to clearly define what constitutes this middle ground before delving into discussions.

House proposal highlights

• A proposed constitutional amendment permitting a state lottery.

• In-person and online sports betting.

• The establishment of up to 10 casino sites offering table games and slot machines.

Senate version key points

• Sports betting removed from the proposal.

• Fewer potential casino locations.

• Approval for a state lottery and electronic betting machines at dog tracks and other venues.

Additional provisions and requirements

• The governor must negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, allowing full-scale casinos with table games at three sites.

• Any gambling proposal must be approved by three-fifths of lawmakers and a majority of voters.

• Alabamians have not voted on gambling since 1999, when they rejected a proposed lottery.

Expressing optimism, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter conveyed in a statement his hope that lawmakers would reach a compromise. He pointed out the widespread desire among the people of Alabama for an opportunity to have their say on this matter.

Whether consensus is achieved or not, Alabama’s long-debated gambling future now rests on the Legislature’s ability to find common ground — and the people’s right to decide.