Alabama House Passes Gambling Bills, Paving the Way for Sports Betting Legalization

Alabama took a significant step towards potentially legalizing sports betting as the state's House of Representatives approved two bills aimed at expanding gambling opportunities. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, these bills, HB151 and HB152, still need to pass through the state’s upper house and gain public approval. HB151, constituting a constitutional amendment, is slated to appear on the November ballot for public vote.

HB151, endorsed with a 70-32 vote, proposes the legalization of retail and online sports betting, a state lottery, and casinos in specific areas of the state where bingo-type games are permitted. Additionally, it authorizes negotiations for a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who currently operate three casinos in Alabama.

HB152 establishes a state lottery and gaming commission to regulate these gambling sectors. It seeks to create an Alabama Gaming Commission responsible for licensing casinos and includes a law enforcement division. The commission could potentially license up to six casinos, with the seventh reserved for the Poarch Band.

The Legislative Services Agency estimates that the state could generate up to $900 million from the lottery, casinos, and sports betting combined, including revenue from a compact with the Poarch Band. Blackshear predicts that expanded gambling could bring in as much as $1.21 billion, with potential revenues ranging from $315 million to $492.2 million from casinos, up to $42.5 million from sports wagering, and between $305.6 million to $379.4 million from the lottery. Additionally, an estimated $300 million could come from a potential compact with the Poarch Band.