Efforts to pass a bill to legalize casinos, sports betting and the lottery in Alabama cleared a key hurdle last week when the state Legislature approved the bill by a vote of 70-32.
The approval comes after recent efforts to expand the game failed. Alabama is one of only five states that does not have a state lottery.
The proposal would allow up to seven casino licenses, each with a $5 million fee and an initial investment of $35 million.
“Finally, at least from a House perspective, we heard you loud and clear at the polls, and we give the people the right to decide what they want from the state as it relates to gaming. ,” said Congressman Chris Blackshear. The bill’s sponsor said this after it passed.
Opposition remains in the Senate
It may not be a foregone conclusion that the state will see an expansion of gaming. The issue now moves to the Senate, where it may not be easy to garner support.
Sen. Greg Albritton, who is pushing the issue in the Senate, said the bill authorizing the gaming constitutional amendment does not yet have the votes needed for approval. Three-quarters of senators would need approval to submit a constitutional amendment to voters.
Republicans control 27 of the 35-member Senate, and Albritton said he still hopes to change the minds of some members. He believes a majority supports the bill, but it may still take some effort to reach the three-quarters mark.
“It’s going to depend on a number of factors that I’m trying to figure out,” he said. alabama reflector.
The bill will first be considered by the Senate Tourism Committee before being formally debated. Even if passed, the issue would be left to voters to decide whether to approve or reject the constitutional amendment.
Other states are also considering expanding gambling. Maryland and New York are considering legalizing online gaming, and Hawaii is considering legalizing casinos and online poker.
