MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — A bill package that could lead to legalized gambling in Alabama crossed one of its first hurdles Wednesday to getting on the November ballot.
The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee voted to move both HB151 and HB152 forward.
HB151 is the Constitutional Amendment that would put the question up to the voters, while HB152 would implement that amendment. Together, the legislation would allow for 10 casinos, sports betting and a state lottery.
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The bills passed with small changes in committee, and just one lawmaker voted against it.
Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris) said he has some concerns with the way the bill sets up a bid process for casinos, and he doesn’t want the state to reward illegal operators.
“The state stands to have a windfall here if it’s done right,” Treadaway said. “I can’t get past the fact that people would be rewarded who have continued to operate for years illegally and make millions. Open it up. Open bid, open it up and the state will gain from that.”