HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama lawmakers on the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee heard from the public Tuesday on a bill that would put the question of legalized gambling to the voters for the first time in 25 years.
The constitutional amendment outlined in HB151 and HB152 would legalize ten casinos, a state lottery, sports betting, bingo, and raffles.
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It was a packed public hearing with nearly 20 speakers made up of those supporting the bill and those opposed.
Bill sponsor Rep. Chris Blackshear said it’s estimated to bring in about $935 million to $1.2 billion annually. Several speakers say that could go toward much-needed services.
“Mental health desperately needs a new revenue stream,” Alabama Council for Behavioral Healthcare Executive Director Holly McCorkle said.
Boone Kinard with the Alabama Community College System said the ACCS does not have a position on gaming but says the bill’s funneling of lottery revenue to scholarships would be a positive thing.