The Alabama gambling bill that would have represented one of the biggest expansions of gaming anywhere in the U.S. is now a niche proposal that would legalize lottery only.
The Senate Tourism Committee late Tuesday stripped the bill of retail and online sports betting, along with the chance to build seven brick-and-mortar casinos.
The change came after several contentious meetings during which Black Senators said their caucus was being left out of the discussion, religious and responsible gaming groups said those at risk needed more protections, and a representative from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians said the tribe was not 100% behind the expansion.
The tribe owns and operates three physical casinos in the land and potentially would have had the opportunity for one more off the reservation. Robbie McGhee, representing the tribe, had testified previously that it wouldn’t get behind a bill that it did not consider good business.
The bill, which is a constitutional amendment, needs a three-fifths majority to pass before it gets on the ballot.
The latest proposal would allow for some gambling at existing racetracks and bingo halls across the state. It also calls for a special election Sept. 10 for voters to approve the measure. Alabama is currently one of five states in the U.S. that does not have a lottery.
Proposal must clear Senate, go back to House
The bill is now headed to the full Senate for a vote, and should it pass there, would have to go back to the House for approval due to all of the changes. Lawmakers have time to continue to massage the proposal before the legislature’s planned adjournment May 20.
The bill, which is a constitutional amendment, needs a three-fifths majority to pass before it gets on the ballot.
