Gaming Bill Rolls the Dice in the Alabama Senate!

Heads up, ChumCity! State Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) just threw down the gauntlet with SB257, a proposal to shake up Alabama's Constitution and bring gaming to the state.

What's on the Table?

This bill aims to legalize a statewide lottery, plus in-person casino games, and both in-person and online sports betting. Right now, Alabama's Constitution flat-out bans lotteries. This amendment would change that.

How It Works

First, the Legislature needs to give it a thumbs-up with a supermajority vote. If that happens, it goes to the people! Alabama voters would then get to decide in a statewide election.

Who's Regulating?

Coleman's bill also creates a commission in the executive branch to keep an eye on all this gaming action. The Legislature would decide who's on the commission and what powers they have. Plus, there'd be a special law enforcement division to bust any illegal gaming activity.

Tribal Compacts

The Governor would get the power to work out a deal with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for them to run Class III games and sports betting on their land.

Gaming's Rocky History in Alabama

This isn't the first time Alabama's wrestled with gaming. A similar effort in 2024 almost made it, missing Senate approval by just one vote! While Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) aren't super optimistic about success this year.

This Time It's Different...Maybe?

The 2024 attempt was a multi-bill package. This time, it's just a proposed constitutional amendment. Back then, Governor Kay Ivey supported the effort, saying it was time for voters to weigh in.

A Long Time Coming

It's been a while since Alabamians voted on gambling – 1999, to be exact, when they rejected a lottery proposed by then-Gov. Don Siegelman. Since then, lawmakers have been fighting over casinos and electronic gambling machines, stalling multiple lottery bills.