Alabama Senate passes gambling bill

Alabama Senate committee has moved forward on legalizing online gambling. The bill is going to bring to Alabama several online forms for both markets, lottery and casino games. Like many other US states, Alabama has been struggling with budget cuts, and therefore looking for solutions to increase state’s tax revenues. The bill to decriminalize online gambling, casino games and lottery, has been the only answer to the state prays. The Senate committee has decided to pass the online gambling bill this week although there is still a need to work on the legislation details. The different parties are not quite sure about this step even though legalizing online gambling seems to be the only way to boost the state economy. The bill still needs to become law, as now it is just a constitutional amendment that needs to be approved by voters next September. If Alabama Senate and voters legalize online gambling, online forms for both lottery and casino games will be allowed in several sites within the state: Victory Land in Macon County; Greene track in Greene County, the Birmingham Race Course, and Mobile Greyhound Park. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, as usual, has come out with negative remarks and does not want the bill; Native American Reserves casinos are still under the impression that online gambling would interfere their business, one of the main reasons why Wind Creek Casino in Atmore does not want the bill.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, has said: "I'm not a gamer. As a Republican I've never been big behind gaming, but I think gaming is here to stay. We're making sure that we as a state receive fair revenue from (the sector). It's not something I have pressured people on. I had the votes to get it out of committee and I think that was the next step to get it on the floor. I do not want to open that floodgate. What I do want to do is create a gaming commission to make these decisions going forward."

House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, commented: "I don't think there's much chance of passing the Senate. I haven't really polled our members, but my prediction down here is it has a very low chance of passing". Sen. Trip Pittman, R-Montrose, said: "Gambling is for losers. I think a lot of people may think this is a solution to this year's budget problems, and it is not. People can manipulate a crisis to pass something that has long-term consequences."