The Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee recently passed a critical bill aimed at expanding gambling within the state. This legislation seeks to introduce a lottery, sports betting, and casinos, marking a significant move towards gambling legalization in Alabama. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for a crucial vote.
Set for a decision by the House on Thursday, the bill’s passage would lead to a November ballot where Alabama voters will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter. This event would be the state’s first gambling-related referendum since a state lottery proposal was turned down in 1999.
Representative Chris Blackshear, the bill’s sponsor, expressed his support, noting it as a pivotal moment for Alabamians to decide on the introduction of gambling. “This legislation represents a significant opportunity for the people to vote on bringing this to Alabama,” Blackshear stated.
The proposed legislation outlines the establishment of up to ten retail casinos, inclusive of three venues already operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, alongside provisions for both retail and online sports betting and the creation of a state lottery.
However, the bill has faced some opposition, notably from Rep. Allen Treadaway, who voiced concerns over enforcement and the fairness of the gaming license allocation process. Treadaway advocated for an open bidding system, expressing worry over the potential for favoritism in the license distribution.
Despite such concerns, the bill includes a transparent licensing process, complete with a detailed checklist for the commission to consider before issuing licenses. To become law, the proposal, which seeks to amend the state constitution, requires approval from 63 members of the 105-seat Alabama House of Representatives.
The post Alabama Moves Closer to Legalizing Gambling with Recent Bill Approval appeared first on iGaming.org.