Another Alabama gambling proposal is expected to emerge in the second half of the Senate’s legislative session, as State Sen. Greg Albritton has revealed he’s working on a bill. An unlikely ally this time around might be former NBA star Charles Barkley, who has been floated as a possible investor by those who would like to see inclusive ownership of gambling in the state.
Alabama nearly legalized gambling last year, but the Senate and House couldn’t come to terms on exactly which products to include.
While Sen. Albritton hasn’t formally introduced his bill this year, he has said what types of gambling are likely to be in it:
- A state lottery
- Commercial class II gaming (i.e. electronic bingo)
- Sports betting
- A new gaming compact for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI)
The Poarch Band currently holds a monopoly on electronic bingo in the state, after a state court ruled that the games were illegal at commercial bingo parlors. Class II tribal casinos can offer those slots-like games because they’re governed by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, which has held that any game that is mathematically based on bingo is a form of bingo, regardless of its visual presentation. It’s unclear what Sen. Albritton plans to offer the tribe, but they would need a strong incentive not to oppose a bill that would bring back commercial competition in the electronic bingo space.
The bill would also establish a regulator to oversee the lottery and commercial gaming. Because any new gambling law in Alabama requires a Constitutional amendment, the proposal will go to voters in a special election in September if passed.
Albritton played a major role in last year’s gambling discussions
Albritton has been one of the Senate’s strongest advocates for gambling expansion and a vocal critic of illegal gambling. But while he’s one of many Alabama lawmakers agreeing that gaming expansion is necessary, they remain divided on what should be included.
Last year, the state came closer than ever to putting a gambling measure before voters for the first time since 1999. However, the House and Senate could not agree on which types of gambling to legalize. A bicameral conference committee ultimately reached a compromise, which the House approved, but the Senate rejected by just one vote. Although Albritton sponsored the original Senate bill, he was among those who voted against the final compromise.
Despite his vote, Albritton has continued to push for action on gambling. Last fall, despite saying there will be discussions in 2025, he noted the difficulty of finding a bill sponsor. Earlier this year, however, he said he would take on the role himself, provided he can secure enough support.
What is Albritton planning to propose?
Recently, the Senator spoke with Alabama Daily News and revealed some provisions of the expected legislation:
- The bill would establish the Alabama Gaming Commission and its structure and responsibilities.
- Create a Gaming Enforcement Division within the commission to oversee and regulate gambling.
- Authorize Class II gambling at six existing racetracks and bingo halls.
- Require the state to negotiate a gaming compact with PBCI.
- Legalize retail and mobile sports betting.
- Establish a state lottery and have the Alabama Lottery Corporation oversee it.
- Permit traditional raffles and bingo for charitable fundraising.
- Create the Gaming Trust Fund for gaming taxes and fees and the Alabama Lottery Trust Fund for lottery proceeds.
Albritton plans to impose a 24% tax on gambling net revenue. Also, his proposal would levy a $2,500 privilege tax on each electronic gaming machine at licensed facilities.
Notably, the bill does not authorize Class III gaming for PBCI. That means no full casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, which the tribe has been pushing for. That might surprise some, as in his rejection of the compromise bill last year, Albritton said it didn’t do enough for PBCI. Explaining his decision, Albritton said he wants the six commercial gaming locations to be fully operational and regulated before expanding to Class III gaming. However, considering PBCI’s influence in the Senate, this exclusion could be a significant hurdle in securing legislative support.
Albritton must get the Senate’s support
As a reason for not introducing the bill, the Senator says he’s still seeking a few more votes. That includes Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton and other African-American members of the chamber. Singleton, who supported gambling expansion last year, recently said that the group wants at least one commercial casino with African-American ownership.
One potential investor mentioned is former NBA star and Alabama native, Charles Barkley. However, a possible complication is the proposed location: Singleton has suggested Birmingham, but PBCI purchased the Birmingham Racecourse last year, which could create conflicts over ownership and development.
Albritton must also gain support from lawmakers like Sen. Sam Givhan, who voted against the compromise bill in 2024. In a radio interview last fall, Givhan said he didn’t believe there were enough votes to pass any gambling bill, adding that it’s not even close. Still, that scenario must have changed, given Albritton’s indications that he would not sponsor a bill if he thought there was insufficient support. Still, he must hurry up to get the needed votes. With fundraising for the 2026 election cycle beginning in May, many lawmakers will soon shift their focus to their campaigns.
About the Author
