Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, discusses gambling legislation Feb. 7, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)
A legislative study group on gambling Wednesday presented the framework of a set of two bills that would legalize gambling in Alabama, emphasizing the need for effective regulation and fair distribution of revenue.
Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, said the two bills they plan on introducing Thursday would allow the state to regulate gaming.
“What it does is it takes everything that exists in Alabama today and completely implodes it,” Blackshear said.
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The announcement puts the Alabama Legislature on a course to tackle an issue it has struggled to find consensus on, one that has divided House Republicans and has drawn opposition from influential lobbies, including the Alabama Farmers Federation.
Alabama’s 1901 Constitution bans lotteries and games of chance, though local constitutional amendments have allowed some form of charity gaming. The legislation would remove those and legalize five types of gambling: casinos in a limited number of areas; a state lottery, sports betting, traditional bingo and raffles.