Time is running out for the House and Senate to find common ground on gambling bills
Alabama Lawmakers are ready to resume negotiations on two gambling bills this week following a week-long recess. With only days to go before the end of the session, it’s unclear if the bills can garner enough support.
Gambling has remained the focus of the 2024 legislative session, which was delayed for a week over IVF-related matters. The two bills seek to establish gaming regulations for casinos and sports betting in Alabama.
HB151 would repeal the Alabama Constitution to allow gambling in select areas of the state and rescind the state’s gambling prohibition. HB152, sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, originally suggested provisions to legalize casino gaming, establish a state lottery and permit online sports betting.
Both bills gained considerable support when passing the House in February. The Senate passed both bills on March 8, but with several amendments that substantially modified the original versions.
The Senate’s amendments include conditions for a state lottery and require Governor Kay Ivey to arrange a gambling compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI). Unlike the House proposals, the Senate version excludes online gambling, sports betting and new non-PCI casinos.
The Senate version also authorizes pari-mutuel wagering at select bingo halls and racetracks in Alabama.
The House will have three alternatives regarding the Senate’s amendments. They can vote to concur with the Senate’s changes, vote not to concur, and initiate a committee to negotiate the disparities or leave the bills pending, ending their progress.
Lawmakers have been silent about prospective concessions to move the bills forward. If legislators can reach a settlement, the bills will require approval from Governor Ivey. She has already voiced support for the two bills after passing the House and said she would review the amended versions passed in the Senate.
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.
