Alabama Gambling Laws Could Expand in 2024

With the lottery and commercial casinos forbidden in Alabama, the Heart of Dixie has historically been one of the most anti-gambling states in the US. However, the 2024 legislative session is sure to be active regarding updating Alabama gambling laws.

From 2019 to 2021, multiple attempts were made to change Alabama’s gambling laws. In 2021, the most ambitious Alabama gambling bill was proposed in the Legislature. The plan was for the introduction of a gambling regulatory commission, six new casinos, and a lottery. The gambling bill didn’t make it past the House¹.

We are going over the latest Alabama gambling news and what to expect over the next year. While the legalization of Alabama online gambling is not scheduled to take place in 2024, lawmakers are confident that significant strides can be made.

2024 Alabama Gambling Update

Currently, the Poarch Creek Indians’ casinos are the only legal land-based facilities in Alabama: Wind Creek Wetumpka, Wind Creek Atmore, and Wind Creek Montgomery.

Additionally, horse racing and greyhound racing, and by extension, pari-mutuel betting, are legal throughout the state. However, table games and sports betting are not available, prompting residents of Alabama to travel to Mississippi for a complete casino experience.

In March 2024, when the Alabama Legislature session opens, lawmakers hope to gain support from the House for an Alabama gambling bill. Details of a new Alabama gambling bill are scant, though the primary goal of legalization is to curtail illegal gambling operations.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R), who is the first Speaker to support a legal gambling bill, is adamant about Alabama needing a legal gambling framework².

“I’ll be honest with you and say that I simply had no idea just how widespread of a problem we have. Ledbetter said, referring to illegal gambling. “We don’t have hundreds of illegal gambling operations. We probably have more than a thousand. They’re all over the state, in every county, everywhere you go. And they’ve got real problems. People are selling drugs around some of these places. We have some serious criminal activity around them.”

Ledbetter continued by noting that a legal Alabama gambling bill would introduce strict legislation to curb illegal gambling. In other words, Alabama is finally recognizing that the state is losing out on millions to criminal organizations.

Alabama Democrats Behind 2024 Gambling Bill

In October, Democrats revealed that they are exploring the idea of drafting a new sports betting bill. At the Pro-Growth Policy Conference, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels announced that he would propose a bill to legalize casino gaming, sports betting, and a state lottery³.

“We want our members to get a full picture. Pro-growth means pro-Alabama, looking at ways to improve where we are,” said Daniels regarding gambling legalization.

77 of the 105 seats in the House are held by Republicans. Democrats need support from Republicans for a gambling bill to pass. Now, with Republican House Speaker Ledbetter behind legalizing gambling, expect to see more widespread support from Republicans in 2024.

What Could a 2024 Alabama Gambling Bill Look Like?

Details of a 2024 Alabama gambling bill are unavailable at this time. However, Ledbetter and sources close to the matter believe it will look similar to the 2021 Alabama gambling bill.

Let’s examine the details of the bill that stalled in the House⁴:

State Lottery

A state lottery, with revenue going toward postsecondary scholarships and debt forgiveness for students who pursued degrees in fields that are in high demand.

Additionally, five percent of lottery revenue would be for education retirees, up to 100 million. Also, state lottery revenue would have resulted in the sales tax on groceries dropping from four percent to two percent.

The bill was expected to result in the creation of a state gaming commission.

Casino Gaming at Racetracks

Casino-style gaming, including table games, would have been permitted at five racetracks throughout the state. A site for a casino in Jackson or DeKalb counties operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians was also on the bill.

Sports Betting

Legalized sports betting in Alabama, with a compact between the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the state expected to be negotiated. The 2021 gambling bill did not include language for Alabama sports betting online.

Best Alabama Online Casino to Gamble at in 2024

There is optimism for legal gambling to be expanded in Alabama in 2024. Even if a gambling bill does pass through the Legislature, commercial online casinos and online sports betting are not projected to be available.

Fortunately, Bovada is accepting new members from Alabama. The full-service online casino and sportsbook includes everything that a recreational and professional gambler could need. The online casino comes equipped with hundreds of online slot machines, table games, and even online bingo.

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