Alabama Gaming Package Unveiled With Casinos, Lottery, and Sports Betting

Posted on: April 4, 2025, 08:18h. 

Last updated on: April 4, 2025, 08:44h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

• A gaming package in Alabama has been introduced
• The bills seek to authorize a lottery, casinos, and sports betting
• Many conservatives and religious groups oppose gambling

The long-awaited Alabama gaming package has finally been unveiled. As expected, state Sen. Greg Albritton (D-Atmore) introduced legislation that would end the Cotton State’s prohibition of all forms of commercial gambling by welcoming in lottery gaming, casinos, electronic gaming machines, and sports betting.

Albritton, a longtime supporter of authorizing gambling in Alabama who was blamed for being the critical “no” vote last year to a gambling compromise reached by the Legislature because it didn’t do enough for the state’s only federally recognized tribe, has a new plan for 2025.

Albritton also seeks to allow the tribe’s newly acquired Birmingham Racecourse to become a commercial casino.

Alabama Gaming Bills

Albritton’s gaming pitch comes through two bills, with one initiating a statewide ballot referendum to amend the Alabama Constitution to permit certain forms of gaming included in his package proposal.

The state senator, who has served in the Montgomery capital for almost a quarter-century, says gaming is needed to protect consumers engaged in illegal gambling. Albritton thinks a legal market could also assist the state in bridging funding gaps caused by the loss of federal money and state tax cuts.

“The biggest problem we have with gambling in society is sports gambling. It’s affecting and afflicting,” Albritton said.

We got federal money drying up. We’re doing a cutting of taxes in a lot of areas. We have an economy that is questionable,” the senator continued.

Albritton said the package is a “scaled-back” version of his original gaming bill last year.

It’s the least amount we can do that is economically viable,” he said.

Last year’s compromise passed the House of Representatives but failed in the Senate for concurrence. Albritton voted against the final bill on grounds that it didn’t allow the Poarch Creek Indians to pursue a casino in the central or northern part of the state.

Since last year, the tribe has acquired the Birmingham Racecourse and the 300 slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines it houses. Seemingly in anticipation of Albritton’s gaming law introduction, tribal officials said yesterday that they plan to transform the former greyhound and horse racetrack into a “first-class entertainment destination.”

Alabama Legislative Session 

Albritton was deliberate in crafting his 2025 gaming bill. As such, there are only 41 days remaining until the Alabama Legislature adjourns on May 15. The Legislature typically meets only two days a week, with the other days devoted to committee meetings.

Albritton’s gaming push will garner pushback from the state’s influential religious interests and the many conservative lawmakers who think gaming and vices like it shouldn’t be welcomed in Alabama. Of the 140 seats in the Legislature, the GOP occupies 103 seats.

Meanwhile, the Alabama Policy Institute says it “vehemently opposes” any legislation that would legalize a form of gambling and will also communicate with elected officials to oppose Albritton.