The Alabama House Republican delegates had a confidential meeting earlier this week. A focal point of their discussion was the potential introduction of a gambling bill in the forthcoming annual legislative session, which is less than a month away.
Addressing the “Wild West” State of Affairs
Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, the elected head of the legislative team that has been assessing the state of gambling in Alabama over the last 14 months, stated that the drafted bill still requires further development.
However, Whitt emphasized his opinion that the bill should be exhaustive, incorporating laws regulating casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and setting up a overseeing commission.
Whitt maintained his primary goal of cracking down on illegal gambling practices in Alabama, colloquially dubbed the “Heart of Dixie”. He likened the current situation with illegal gambling to the lawlessness of the “wild west”.
Whitt further pointed out the problem concerning lotteries: he cited his own hometown of Ardmore as an example where school bus routes sometimes need to be changed on days with exceptionally high lottery jackpots due to intense traffic headed to neighboring states offering lotteries—a practice currently outlawed in Alabama.
This unresolved issue has been lingering for more than 25 years, which is why Whitt is resolute in his determination to bring closure to it and sanitize gaming in the state.
Hopes Are Higher in 2024
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, has also publicly shown his support for a new law to effectively regulate gambling in the state.
With Republicans holding three-fourths of the seats in the House, the importance of party support for this cause is significant. Accordingly, Whitt expresses optimism for this year, hoping to see the bill make its way to the Senate floor for further scrutiny.
Simultaneously, Gov. Kay Ivey, known for her endorsement of the comprehensive bill back in 2018, is consistent in her stance and also insists on swift action concerning this issue.
The Governor expounded that amending the state’s gambling laws equates to altering the Constitution, which requires a public referendum for ratification by the people of Alabama.
Ivey’s support for the gambling bill was reinforced last year following the findings of a study group she appointed to examine the state’s gambling policy. A report they released in late 2020 projected that the state stood to gain up to $300 million annually through a lottery, $400 million from casinos, and a minimum of $10 million from sports betting.
The same report also talked about the potential to create up to 19,000 new jobs through the establishment of a regulated gambling market.
In conclusion, Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Phenix City, remains optimistic that the 2024 bill will be finalized before the legislative session commences on February 6.
