Alabama Gaming Expansion Is Unlikely, Senator Givhan Says

Alabama lawmakers are uncertain whether gambling will make any strides in 2025, despite a recent change in leadership. According to Senator Sam Givhan, the recent reshuffle is unlikely to benefit the industry as much as some had hoped.

Givhan Wouldn’t Bet on Gaming Expansion in 2025

The Republicans recently named Senator Garlan Gudger as the new president pro-tempore, following Greg Reed’s announced departure. In an interview with a local radio, however, Givhan said that he doubts Gudger’s appointment will singlehandedly change Alabama’s stuttered gambling legislation.

For context, the Senate previously fell one vote short of approving the gambling and lottery package, to the industry’s dismay.  

Givhan pointed out that the outgoing Reed was not a huge fan of the gambling industry. Yet, Givhan emphasized that the departing president pro-tem voted in favor of the gambling package earlier despite its qualms. This effectively means that a “yes” vote has left, potentially shifting the dynamics in favor of the opponents of the measure.

Givhan also added that expects at least two senators to change their positions from yes’s to “hard no’s.” As a result, he doesn’t believe a gambling bill would be able to gain enough votes to pass.

Another problem a new attempt to pass a gambling measure would face is the House’s proclaimed reluctance to start the bill, Givhan noted. He added that even if someone in the Senate files one, he doesn’t see it getting anywhere.

Others Are More Optimistic

Givhan’s statement came a few days after a report claimed that Alabama senators are considering giving a gambling legislation another go. Contrary to what Givhan said, Rep. Andy Witt suggested that the House was allegedly considering such a bill and, although he wasn’t involved in the writing of such proposal, he noted that it is possible for multiple bills to emerge in 2025.

One of the reasons why some Alabama lawmakers are so bullish on getting gambling legalized is the growing black market industry, which is depriving the state of potential tax revenues while exposing consumers to huge risks. A recently pre-filed bill suggested introducing harsher penalties for those who violate the state’s gambling laws.

In other news, two major players in Alabama’s hospitality and tourism sector, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which operates Wind Creek Hospitality, and the McGregor family, which operates the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino and VictoryLand Casino properties, recently agreed to transfer ownership of the Birmingham Racecourse to the tribal company.