Located within driving distance from West Virginia – where online casinos are legal – it’s surprising that online casinos in Alabama are not considered. Then again, the state keeps gambling of all forms to a limited, not even allowing online sports betting as many other states in America have recently permitted.
In terms of casino gaming, the variety is heavily limited due to restrictions in the state. Alabama is one of the five states that does not have a state lottery and no commercial gaming destinations, but it does permit gaming at the three tribal casinos, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
However, everything could change drastically in 2024 as the state considers a new gambling bill to permit sports betting, a state lottery, and ten additional casinos. State Senator Greg Albritton said regulating gambling would allow the state to stop its growth while collecting on it.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Alabama?
No, online casinos in Alabama remain illegal alongside online sports betting and any other form of real money online gambling. While a new bill is considered to increase land-based casinos and a state lottery, it does not suggest that online gambling would be legalized.
Since the new bill’s purpose is to “cap” gambling as a whole, it’s entirely possible that online casinos could be introduced for those interested in playing online. This way, Alabama would earn the revenue while also regulating the industry. However, since online casinos in Alabama would require partnerships with land-based casinos, it would only occur after commercial casinos are in the state.
What is Legal in Alabama Casinos?
Most forms of real money gambling are illegal, but since Sweepstakes online casinos in Alabama do not use real money to wager on games, they are perfectly legal.
Sweepstakes casinos do not require purchases but do provide the option to increase your account balance through packages, daily rewards, playing games, and tournaments. Once you’ve collected enough sweep coins, you can redeem them for cash prizes and gifts.
When will Alabama Legalize Online Casinos?
The possibility of the new 2024 bill to legalize more land-based casinos, sports betting, and a state lottery could also open the doors to online casinos. However, the bill does not explicitly address the online industry, which means it could still take a while to see the best online casinos enter the state.
For the time being, sweepstakes online casinos in Alabama are the only form of online play permitted, which we look at in more detail below.
Brief Gambling History in Alabama
Gambling history in Alabama might seem complicated, but it’s rather straightforward. In 1901 all forms of gambling were made illegal, but just a year later, the state permitted wagers on dog and horse racing.
For nearly 80 years, no significant changes took place in the gambling laws. In 1980, Alabamians could legally play charitable bingo games in Jefferson County. However, the laws applied limits, including a maximum weekly prize distribution of up to $7,500. Any additional funds – other than some expenses – was for charity.
In 1988, the first land-based casinos were permitted in Alabama, as Native American tribes could legally establish casinos on the land they owned. These casinos were nearly closed in 2013, as Robert Bentley (the former Governor), filled a lawsuit as the tribal casinos did not follow the regulations that restricted slot machines.
Moving forward to 2024, we once again see the possibility of major changes to the current laws as a new bill could legalize more land-based casinos, a state lottery, and sports betting as an attempt to regulate illegal gambling in Alabama.
Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Alabama
Sweepstakes, a type of Social casino, are legal in Alabama, as you won’t wager real money while playing games. However, while playing, claiming daily rewards, and participating in tournaments, you’ll earn “Sweeps” that can be redeemed for real money rewards and gifts.
Multiple Sweepstakes online casinos are available in Alabama, each offering an impressive welcome bonus that requires no purchase. Should you wish to increase your account balance beyond the daily rewards, you can purchase coin packages for as little as $0.99.
| Rank | Sweepstakes Online Casino | Welcome Reward |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | BetRivers.net | 10 to 1,000 VC$ |
| 2. | Pulsz | 5,000 Game Coins + 2.3 Sweeps |
| 3. | High 5 Casino | 250 Game Coins + 600 Diamonds + 5 Sweeps |
| 4. | Gambino Slots | 100,000 Game Coins + 200 Free Spins |
| 5. | Stake.us (Crypto) | $25 Stake Cash + 250,000 Game Coins |
In which States are Online Casinos Legal?
As mentioned in our guide to online casinos in Arizona, multiple states in the east of America have legalized online casinos. The first was New Jersey, introducing multiple top-rated online casinos in a synchronized launch in 2013.
Five other states followed over the last decade, and Rhode Island is officially the seventh state with legal online casinos in March 2024.
What is the Closest State with Online Casinos from Alabama?
West Virginia is the closest state with legal online casinos from Alabama, which is not a short drive. Assuming you’re located in the heart of Alabama, you’ll need to plan a nine-hour road trip to Princeton, WV.
You can register an account and claim the welcome bonus at any online casino before your arrival, but you’ll only be allowed to wager on games once you’re in state lines, which also applies to airport layovers for any of the legal states.
Land-Based Casinos in Alabama
There are no casinos in Birmingham, Alabama. However, two Montgomery, Alabama, casinos within 15 miles of the downtown area are Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka and Wind Creek Casino Montgomery.
For Mobile Alabama casinos, the closest casino would be Wind Creek Casino Atmore, which is about 50 miles northeast of downtown Mobile.
The only land-based casinos in Alabama are on Native American reservations.
Alabama Online Casinos Could be Closer than We Think
Alabama lawmakers are against gambling, but residents interested in wagering on games will continue to do so irrespectively. Therefore, the new 2024 bill is by far the best approach of providing residents with better casino opportunities and the state can gain from the revenue as well.
While online casinos are not in the pipeline yet, it’s the only next logical step as residents will continue to play at unregulated, unfair, and unsecured online casinos until things change.