Alabama Sen. Merika Coleman Pushes for Referendum on Gambling Expansion

Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman says she plans to introduce a bill next week that would allow Alabama voters to decide whether they want gambling in the state or not. 

What Is Senator Coleman’s Proposal for a Gambling Bill?

The bill would permit a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment that would empower the governor to establish a gambling commission and enable lawmakers to begin crafting legislation to expand betting in the state. Coleman said her proposal would legalize the lottery, sports betting, and casino gambling. However, it remains unclear whether the plan would allow only in-person gambling or also include online options.

Coleman, a first-term state senator who previously served 20 years in the Alabama House, said she wants to pose a broad question to voters: “Is this something that you want to do — yes or no?” A “yes” vote would require the legislature to develop frameworks for each form of gambling, including regulations and tax rates. 

Alabama lawmakers have long struggled to reach an agreement on what legal gambling should include and how it should be structured. In 2024, a bill that would have legalized all three forms of gambling and included a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians for online offerings passed the House but failed in the Senate.

Last year, the Alabama gambling proposal underwent changes in the hopes of it progressing further. Despite that, as Sen. Coleman’s recent work suggests, there is still much to be done.

What’s the Current State of Gambling In Alabama?

Alabama has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country. Most online gambling activities, such as online casinos, sports betting, and poker, are illegal. However, a limited number of land-based tribal casinos operate under federal compacts, and residents can still access online horse race wagering and social casinos. This guide outlines what forms of gambling are permitted, which are prohibited, and where Alabamians can legally participate in approved options.

Alabama voters have not considered a gambling measure since 1999, when it was defeated by a 54% to 46% margin. Because the Alabama Constitution bans lotteries, any bill that would authorize a lottery or expand legal gambling must include a constitutional amendment. Such an amendment requires a three-fifths majority to pass the legislature and be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

Despite lawmakers still debating the issue, the current Alabama governor, Kay Ivey, has previously supported legalizing wider gambling practices in the state. Five years ago, Ivey, a member of the Republican Party, established a study commission that concluded the state could benefit from legalized gambling.

However, even her political opponents have seemingly also supported gambling reforms in Alabama. Sen. Doug Jones, a Democrat, who is running for governor, has put gambling on his agenda, saying that he is positive for the launch of a state lottery.