Lawmakers continue to revise bills that could pave the way for more gambling in the state
State Senators in Alabama could consider a revised version of proposed gambling and lottery legislation this week, which was passed by the House in February.
The revised draft of the Senate’s alternate amendment includes a statewide lottery and requires the Governor to negotiate a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. No sports betting or new casino licenses were included in the Senate’s version.
The Senate’s plan also calls for a special election to vote on the amendment on September 10, while the House’s bill scheduled a vote on the constitutional amendment for November’s general election. The draft version could also have additional changes before a committee vote takes place as early as Wednesday.
The Senate Tourism Committee held a public hearing on the House legislation last Wednesday, with no vote taken. Several Senators agree that some type of gambling legislation will be considered this week. If the Senate votes to approve, it would return to the House for deliberation.
The Senate’s version of the constitutional amendment permits pari-mutuel wagering, including betting at racetracks in Greene, Jefferson, Macon and Mobiles. Additional locations in Greene County, bingo halls in Houston County, and the town of White Hall in Lowndes County would also permit horse racing betting.
The proposal also requires Governor Kay Ivey to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. However, the Governor cannot grant authority for gaming to be conducted beyond lands held in trust by the US government for the tribe.
All local bingo amendments would be repealed under the proposal, which prohibits enacting future local amendments to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, making way for gambling activities. It would also permit lawmakers to provide any court jurisdiction to hear cases concerning the Alabama Gambling Commission.
