The decision of the committee could impact what happens next to gambling expansion in the state
Gambling legislation will see its first trial in the Alabama Legislature as backers of the new gaming bill seek to get the proposition before voters in November. The bill goes before a House of Representatives committee today, possibly setting the stage for what happens next.
The new law would allow up to ten casinos offering slots and table games, retail and online sports betting, and a state lottery. The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee will vote on the proposal today, according to Committee Chairman Andy Whitt. If authorized, the bill could be voted on in the Alabama House of Representatives as early as Thursday.
If approved by state lawmakers, a referendum would be put before Alabama voters in November, which could be the first public vote on gambling since a proposal for a state lottery was voted down in 1999. “It’s been a quarter of a century since the last time the citizens got to express their opinion on this matter,” said the bill’s sponsor, Representative Chris Blackshear.
Alabama Farmers Federation lobbyist Preston Roberts told the committee on Tuesday that the law doesn’t adequately regulate gambling. “We have more than 150 pages of painstaking detail about how to protect gambling businesses and virtually nothing to protect Alabamians,” said Roberts.
The Legislative Services Agency estimates the state could generate up to $912 million in annual tax revenue from the three forms of legalized gambling, which would mainly benefit two new funds, with lawmakers to decide how it will be allocated. However, the level of funding hasn’t been guaranteed.
The new legislation would permit up to ten casinos, including the three Poarch Band of Creek Indians bingo operations in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka. The bill would also allow the tribe to open a new gaming facility in northeast Alabama.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
