Alabama Gambling Bill Progresses with Draft Proposal Changes

Alabama is one of several US states that have strict rules when it comes to gambling and limited available options. As the state’s lawmakers are reviewing a proposal in the remaining month and a half from this legislative session, there are only 13 legislative days during which the state’s House and Senate can greenlight laws.

Gambling Expansion Proposal Goes Through Changes

One effort toward the expansion of gambling is led by Sen. Greg Albritton. While so far it looks like gambling faces an uncertain future, at least this year, discussions on the matter are ongoing. Reportedly. Sen. Albritton implemented changes to his proposal that calls for the legalization of lottery, electronic gambling machines as well as sports betting.

Most of Alabama’s neighboring states currently offer betting, with the activity being available in Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee, all bordering the state. A sole exception is the state’s eastern neighbor, Georgia, which doesn’t permit betting or casino gambling.

An initial draft proposal by Sen. Albritton proposed the allocation of money from newly legalized gambling activities to the state’s health care delivery system. His initial proposal also sought to set aside some $100 million for reconstruction and improvement of bridges and roads across Alabama.

However, as announced by Alabama Daily News, Sen. Albritton’s proposal has undergone changes amid the ongoing discussions that may help the bill pick up speed. Notably, the section that proposed the use of gambling tax proceeds for the health care system across the state was removed, while more money is set aside for roads and bridges. The bill’s new draft, as of Tuesday, proposes to dedicate $150 million to the reconstruction of roads and bridges.

Lawmakers Reach a Compromise Regarding the Distribution of Gambling Funds

Per Sen. Albritton’s estimate, the legalization of lottery and gambling machines would bring revenue in the realm of $750 million, with a breakdown showing that the lion’s share of those proceeds, or $500 million, would come from gambling machines, while the remaining $250 million would derive from lottery operations.

Speaking about the recent change to the proposal, the lawmaker explained: “A compromise was arrived at in regards to the distribution of funds.” Ultimately, the bill would seek approval from a majority of lawmakers in order to ask Alabama residents to vote in favor or against the expansion of gambling.

Besides the establishment of lottery, the bill seeks to deliver electronic gambling devices at the state’s six racetracks. The proposal also calls for the establishment of a retail or online betting market, enabling the state to become the latest to offer legal wagering.