Regulating gambling in Alabama will likely be back on the legislative agenda in 2025 in some form. This year’s effort to let Alabama voters decide whether they want legal gambling passed in the House but came up a single vote shy of passing in the Senate. Had the bill passed, it would have led to a referendum to establish a lottery, Class III tribal gaming, and perhaps other gambling options. However, despite that failure, key figures involved in the 2024 discussions believe that discussion will continue into the coming legislative session.
Sen. Greg Albritton, the original sponsor of the Senate bill, was among those who ultimately voted against it. Despite his sponsorship, Albritton was unwilling to agree with the House and vote in favor of a compromise bill. That ended hopes of gambling expansions. However, he remains convinced that the issue of gambling expansion will persist, driven in part by the prevalence of illegal gambling in the state. The lawmaker talked with CBS42, a local news outlet, about illegal gambling:
It is here. It is here to stay. And the only thing we can do in Alabama is try to grasp control of that industry so we can protect the public and be a beneficiary of it.
There Could Be Multiple Gambling Bills in 2025
But while he believes gambling will once again be addressed in 2025, Albritton says it will be hard to find a lawmaker to sponsor a comprehensive gambling bill. Rep. Andy Whitt, a key figure in this year’s House bill, won’t be one of them.
Whitt was part of an ad hoc committee in 2023 to explore gambling options for 2024. He was also one of the co-sponsors of the comprehensive House bill, which included a lottery, tribal and commercial casinos, and sports betting. While he’s not working on one, Whitt expects several gambling bills in 2025.
Meanwhile, Rep. Sam Jones, another of the House gambling bill sponsors, says he’s open to working on the bill across both aisles and chambers so that it can reach voters.
And when it got to the Senate, a lot of discussion took place. And someone there didn’t agree with something in it, and it didn’t make it before the people. The people never got an opportunity to vote on it. Really, never got an opportunity to digest it.
House and Senate Must Align on Gambling Legislation
Unlike some states, many lawmakers in Alabama agree that some sort of gambling should be legalized to battle the thriving illegal gambling in the state. However, what should be legalized is the center of disagreements between the Senate and the House.
Both chambers support establishing a gambling regulator, a lottery, and Class III tribal gaming. The House wanted to add sports betting and commercial casinos, but the Senate rejected that proposal. Instead, it suggested off-track betting and historical horse racing as alternatives to commercial gambling. The House stood by its comprehensive bill, moving the issue to a bicameral conference committee to negotiate a compromise.
The committee ultimately reached a compromise. The members agreed to remove sports betting and commercial casinos but add slots and other electronic games at four former dog racing tracks and three bingo halls. The House quickly passed the compromise bill with a 72-29 vote. However, the Senate vote of 20-15 fell one short of the 21-vote two-thirds majority needed to pass it.
This year was not the first time gambling legislation has stalled due to chamber disagreements. In 2022, in reversed roles, the Senate passed a comprehensive bill, but the House rejected it.
The Poarch Creek Indians Prepare for 2025 Discussions
Rep. Jones has emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in Alabama’s gambling discussions. That includes the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI), which operates three Class II (bingo-based) tribal casinos. Recently, PBCI announced plans to acquire a fourth property, the Birmingham Race Course
PBCI opposed this year’s compromise bill, citing concerns about adding slots or other electronic games at non-tribal locations. That’s understandable, as the seven non-tribal locations would compete with the potential Class III tribal casinos. PBCI’s recent activities indicate that it is preparing for a renewed gambling push in 2025.
In addition to plans to acquire the Birmingham Race Course, PBCI hired Fine Geddie, an influential lobbying firm. Political analyst Steve Flowers told CBS42 that getting PBCI on board will be vital in passing gambling legislation and reaching the voters.
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