Alabama senators have approved legislation that will allow voters to decide whether or not the state will have a lottery, casinos, and sportsbooks.
The approval of the constitutional amendment follows the rejection of a similar bill in early February.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Jim McClendon, passed by a vote of 23-9 and will now go to the house for a final vote. If passed by the house, the state electorate will have their say on the matter in the November 2022 general election.
The original rejected bill made no provisions for casinos but after much discussion, senators agreed to move forward with an amended bill that allowed for the opening of six casinos.
The bill will also see the creation of an Alabama Gaming Commission that would regulate the market and issue all licenses. New operators will be welcomed into the state but the existing operators in the state will be allowed to outbid any new licensee applicants.
Speaking of the legislation going before the house for a vote, Sen. McClendon said:
“I have confidence that the House is going to take this opportunity. We’ve been waiting for it for a long time. We’ve been haunted by this issue of gambling in Alabama. Ever since I’ve been here, it’s been an issue. Well, it’s time we got it resolved. And I think the Senate has certainly made a major first step in doing so.”
The bill will also require a new compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to allow the introduction of casino games and legal sports betting to their resorts that currently only offer electronic bingo.
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