Alabama Senate Says No to Sports Betting Legislation

In Alabama, hopes were high that House bills HB 151 and HB 152 would clear the Senate. Combined, the bills sought to expand legalized gambling in the state. The legalization was intended to encompass parimutuel wagering (horse and dog racing), sports betting, commercial retail casinos, Tribal retail casinos, a state lottery, and historical horse racing.

It was Sen. Greg Albritton who was trying to champion these two bills in the Senate. However, it became clear to him that changes would need to be made before the rest of the Senate body would be receptive to considering one or both bills. The changes that were needed were the stripping of sports betting and commercial casino gambling from the bills. That's a blow to Alabama residents who are very much in favor of having online sports betting access.

Senator Bobby Singleton expressed what was likely the consensus of disappointment related to the removal of sports betting from the legislation. He told the press:

“I know if we’re talking about curbing gaming in the state, stopping expansion, at least capturing what we can, get a hold of it, state makes some money out of it, be able to fund these programs, we’re leaving a lot of money on the table with sports betting.”

It's highly likely that the House will not be fully receptive to the House Bill changes made by the Senate. If that ends up being the case, a combined committee would be convened to seek compromises. The irony lies in the fact that the Senate did support sports betting and commercial/online casino legislation in 2021 and 2022 while it was the House that said no.

Voters to Address Constitution Change

Before any gambling expansion legislation can be passed, amendments will need to be made to Alabama's state constitution. That will require passing a constitutional amendment by 21 of 35 Senators followed by a successful vote of a majority of Alamaba's registered voters.

A special election has been scheduled for September 10, 2024. During that election, voters will be asked to pass an amendment that would open the door for a lottery and parimutuel wagering.

What Remains in the Senate Version of the Gambling Expansion Legislation

With sports betting and commercial casino gambling seemingly off the table, what remains of the House's bills is still a significant move forward in terms of providing gambling access to Alabama residents. Here is what the Senate did preserve from HB 151 and HB 152:

• An Alabama Gambling Commission would be created to oversee all gambling in the state


• Parimutual wagering would be permitted on horses and dogs at designated facilities


• A state lottery system would be created


• Designated facilities would be permitted to offer historical horse racing


• Tax revenue would be shared equally between a general fund, education, and infrastructure projects


• Alabama Gambling Commission would set the parimutuel tax rate at between 24% and 32%


• The governor would be required to negotiate a new compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indian Tribe