Alabama Senator Greg Albritton wanted to make another attempt at passing a gambling bill this year, but Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger says that’s not going to happen. Albritton teased a repeat of last year’s legislation earlier this week and released a draft of the new bill on Thursday. However, the session is winding down and Gudger says that the Senate has higher priorities than gambling.
Alabama remains one of only five states without a lottery and has no commercial gambling at all, unless one counts traditional bingo. However, it’s still a step ahead of Hawaii and Utah, the only truly gambling-free states, in that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates Class II tribal casinos, which have permission from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to offer slots-like electronic bingo. Alabama courts have denied the commercial bingo parlors the same permission.
Alabama wants gambling but details are a sticking point
There is considerable support from the Alabama public and legislators alike for the idea of legalizing gambling in some form. However, the specifics of which forms should be legalized are what sank last year’s effort. The House and Senate each passed their own version of the bill, but neither was willing to accept the other’s.
Albritton’s draft proposal this year included:
- A state lottery
- Sports betting
- Commercial class II gaming similar to the current tribal casinos
- A directive for the Governor to negotiate with the Poarch Band for a new compact, upgrading their facilities to full class III casino gaming.
The point is likely moot until next year, however. Alabama’s legislative session doesn’t adjourn until May 15, but the meeting calendar is sparse. Gudger said only 12 meeting days remain, and they will be occupied by budget talks and other high-priority bills.
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