Alabama House Approves Lottery, Electronic Games, But Not Sports Betting

The Alabama legislative body has authorized a lottery, but not wagering on sporting events.

A joint committee in the Alabama House of Representatives passed a revised gambling proposal on Tuesday evening. The proposal will be sent to the Senate, and if approved, voters will be able to determine if the state should have a lottery and electronic games of chance.

The Alabama House of Representatives approved a lottery and electronic games of chance, but not sports betting. The bill did not include wagering on sporting events. The House passed the constitutional amendment HB 151 by a vote of 72-29 and the framework bill HB 152 by a vote of 70-29.

The lottery is anticipated to begin operations sometime in 2026.

Alabama is currently one of five states in the US that does not have a lottery. State voters rejected a proposal to add a lottery in 1999. Three of Alabama’s four neighboring states offer some form of legal gambling on sporting events. Only Georgia does not have legal gambling. Tennessee and Florida offer statewide mobile gambling on sporting events.

Mississippi offers casino gambling. A proposal to expand Mississippi gambling on sporting events to statewide mobile betting was rejected by a joint committee on Monday.

Representative Chris Blackshear stated the committee brought “the best legislation we could bring to allow the people to vote.”

The proposition to broaden gaming, initially introduced in February, has been reduced in scope.

The proposals aim to permit the state to offer its own lottery while participating in multi-state lotteries. In theory, if voters endorse the plan, they will be able to purchase Powerball or Mega Millions tickets.

Blackshear stated that the proposals would establish a special election on August 20th to approve the lottery. The legislation would authorize instant lottery tickets, electronic chance games at seven designated locations, paper bingo, and conventional drawings. The lottery would be overseen by the Alabama Education Lottery, with revenue allocated to diverse educational programs. Slot machines and other forms of gambling revenue would be directed to the general fund.

Electronic chance games would be permitted at designated racetracks in Greene, Jefferson, Macon, and Mobile counties, as well as bingo halls in Greene, Houston, and Lauderdale counties. The bill mandates the governor to negotiate with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians regarding trust lands and Class III gaming. The tribe already operates three Class II retail casinos on tribal lands.

Legislators debated the bill for over an hour, with most members supporting and commending the conference committee. Another significant theme was that having a state lottery would retain Alabama’s funds within the state. Several lawmakers highlighted that residents travel to Florida or Tennessee to purchase lottery tickets.

The lower chamber of Congress will forward this legislation to the upper chamber, potentially later this week. The Alabama lawmaking body will conclude its proceedings on May 14th.

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