Increased Penalties for Illegal Gambling in Alabama: New Legislative Measures
Date: 2024-09-13 Author: Leon Pierce Categories: EVENTS
Illegal gambling remains a serious problem in various states in the United States, despite the efforts of legislators and law enforcement agencies. Although the legalization of sports betting has helped reduce the share of illegal bookmakers and foreign online platforms, other types of gambling still remain in the shadow sector.
New bill increases prison terms and fines
A new bill has been introduced in Alabama, HB41, authored by State Representative Matthew Hammett. The document is aimed at increasing penalties for violations in the gambling industry, which should act as a deterrent for violators.
Introduced to the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, the bill proposes to revise state legislation in this area. The bill clarifies terms such as "lottery ticket," "instant win," "electronic game of chance," and others, and expands the definition of "gambling activity."
Currently, gambling violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Those found guilty can be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined up to $6,000.
However, Hammett's bill proposes to reclassify such offenses as Class C felonies, which would lead to harsher penalties. If passed, violators could face one to ten years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
Repeat offenses would be punished even more harshly. For a second instance of illegal gambling, those found guilty would be sentenced to a Class B felony, which carries a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine of up to $30,000.
Alabama's Illegal Gambling Problem Remains
Despite the laws in place, the problem of illegal gambling remains acute in the state. Last month, Alabama law enforcement conducted an operation during which previously confiscated slot machines stolen from closed establishments were found.
In addition to the machines identified by special stickers, police were able to seize about 100 other illegal gaming devices.
According to Hammett, his new bill was developed with the assistance of Covington County District Attorney Walt Merrell. In an interview, he said that current laws are not effective enough to combat illegal gaming. Hammett also noted that despite disagreements over previous proposals to legalize lotteries and casinos, all participants in the discussion agreed that illegal gambling is a serious problem for the state.
