Alabama is one step closer to approving tribal casinos and a lottery
A scaled-back gambling proposal was advanced by the Alabama Senate on Thursday, permitting a state lottery and electronic betting machines at locations throughout the state as lawmakers try to reach an agreement that can pass in both chambers.
The proposal passed by a 22-11 vote after a broader House-approved plan that includes sports betting and casino games stalled in the Senate. The bill returns to the Alabama House, where lawmakers could approve the changes or send it to a conference committee.
“It’s true of any legislation; it’s trying to find what we can pass,” according to state Sen. Greg Albritton, who sponsored the Senate proposal.
The Senate plan calls for a state lottery and requires the governor’s office to reach a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that could allow the tribe to have full-service casinos at its three venues in the state.
It would also allow seven locations to house “historical racing computerized machines.” These allow players to bet on horse racing replays. The seven sites include the four dog tracks in Jefferson, Greene, Mobile and Macon counties. An additional location in Greene County and venues in Houston and Lowndes counties could also be permitted to offer betting machines.
Representative Chris Blackshear, sponsor of the House bill, says he’ll examine the Senate changes during next week’s spring recess. “We want to take our time, be very deliberate,” said Blackshear.
Supporters need enough legislative support to put the issue before voters for the first time in over two decades. Legalized gambling last went before voters in 1999, when Gov. Don Siegelman’s lottery proposal was rejected.
If the Senate’s proposal is approved in both Alabama Legislative chambers, it will go to the ballot for voters to decide on September 10.
