Authorizing ten more land-based casinos, a state lottery, and sports betting is proposed in the new gambling bill brought forward by the Alabama legislation.
While online gambling, such as online casinos and online betting, is not part of the bill, it could represent the first step of online casinos in Alabama.
In this Article
- Why is a New gambling Bill in Alabama Considered?
- What can the New Gambling Bill Introduce?
The New Alabama Gambling Bill
As reported by WVTM13 News, lawmakers in Alabama are introducing two new gambling bills that will establish a state gambling commission, responsible for the five new types of gambling proposed.
- Casinos
- A State Lottery
- Sports Betting
- Bingo
- Raffles
Regulating these forms of gambling in Alabama would allow the state government to control illegal gambling activities better while also earning revenue.
In a press release, State Senator Greg Albritton said, “Alabama has the opportunity to capture this industry, to cap it and stop its growth, and to collect on it. It would give Alabama the opportunity to regulate this cancerous growth that continues to spread throughout our state, throughout our homes, and through our phones, and through our computers, and through our communities“
Those voting in favor of the bill state that the new bill could completely change the current race tracks and create entertainment hotspots, establishing more job opportunities and tax revenue.
Greg Davis, the ALCAP president, is against the bill, stating that residents don’t want to see additional gambling activities due to the other crimes and activities attracted by casinos, including child trafficking and prostitution.
While Greg Davis doesn’t believe that casinos are popular around Alabama, statistics show that residents are already using gambling platforms, giving away taxable revenue to other states.
What will the New Bill Introduce?
The new bill aims to establish a gambling commission and a lottery corporation in Alabama, regulating all forms of gambling.
The bill would allow the three tribal casinos already located in the state to upgrade their services from a class ii to a class iii casino, allowing additional games, slot machines, and other additional gaming options.
Furthermore, seven new casinos would become available throughout the state, including the Wind Creek Casino, if Ivey (governor) agrees to the compact. Additional casino locations include:
- Birmingham
- Greene County
- Houston County
- Lowndes County
- Macon County
- Mobile County
Legalizing sports betting, adding casinos, and a state lottery has lawmakers believing it could add $800 million in revenue for the state. While casinos and betting revenues would go into the state’s general fund, revenue collected by the state lottery would be used for education.
Should the bill eventually lead to legalized online casinos in Alabama, the revenue figures could exceed a billion dollars. However, the current bill does not include online betting or casinos.
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