A pre-filed bill for the 2025 Alabama legislative session would increase penalties for running or owning an illegal gambling operation. Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Dozier) is one of many lawmakers wanting to crack down on illegal gambling.
Current penalty for running or owning an illegal gambling operation in Alabama is a Class A misdemeanor
In Covington County, a convenience store owner was discovered selling scratch-off tickets. Hammett says the current penalties are not harsh enough. This typically leads to repeat offenders.
“We had some in the store, and they sent in Opp Police Chief [Kevin] Chance. Him and the district attorney went in and got him,” Hammett told CBS 42 News.
“And they said they’ll be back up in six months ’cause it was just a misdemeanor. All we can do is just slap [them] on the wrist.”
Since the current penalty is a Class A misdemeanor, Alabama residents are more likely to continue running illegal gambling operations. Hammett hopes to make that a Class C felony and a minimum fine of $1,000.