The Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee swiftly advanced a gambling proposal on Wednesday. The proposal, if approved by the state Legislature, would authorize a lottery, sports betting, and multiple casinos across Alabama. This would be the first public vote on gambling since a proposed lottery was rejected in 1999. The two-bill package was approved by the committee and is now set for a key vote in the state House of Representatives on Thursday. The proposal would allow up to 10 casino sites, including three tribal sites operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with table games and slot machines. It would also establish a state lottery and permit sports betting at in-person locations and online platforms. The bills have been named a priority for the session by Republican legislative leaders and have been fast-tracked through the legislative process. The proposed constitutional amendment would need 63 votes to win approval in the 105-member Alabama House of Representatives. If passed, the legislation is estimated to generate up to $912 million in revenue annually from taxes on gambling, which would be allocated to two new funds for lawmakers to decide how to use. While the legislation specifies some uses for the funds, it does not guarantee a funding level. The proposal has received both support and opposition, with proponents arguing that it would keep revenue within the state and opponents expressing concerns about enforcement and the allocation of casino licenses. The outcome of the vote is expected to be close.
