In Montgomery, Alabama, the prospect of passing a major gambling bill this legislative session looks bleak, according to a top Republican leader in the state Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger announced Thursday that the proposed legislation, which includes the introduction of a state lottery, sports betting, and several casinos, does not have enough votes for approval.
The statement from Gudger, a Republican from Cullman, came in response to inquiries regarding the fate of the bill, which was crafted by another senator.
“With 12 meeting days left in the current session, and both state budgets still pending approval, as well as several other significant measures requiring attention, it appears that the comprehensive gaming bill unveiled today lacks the momentum it needs. It’s come too late and doesn’t have enough votes to pass,” Gudger remarked.
Senator Greg Albritton released a draft of the gambling legislation, aiming to resolve the ongoing 25-year legislative gridlock surrounding the issue. Albritton’s proposal seeks to legalize a state lottery, sports betting, and specific categories of electronic gaming devices at six designated locations. It also mandates the governor to enter into negotiations for a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which would permit the operation of casino games at their three existing locations in Alabama and at a former horse racing track they acquired in Jefferson County.
Albritton expressed optimism that the proposal would provide much-needed fiscal relief to the state, with revenue estimates ranging from $598 million to $928 million. Despite this optimistic financial outlook, Albritton acknowledged the bill lacks the necessary support to clear the Senate, needing a total of 21 out of 35 votes.
“I believe the bill is sound and that there’s enough time to get it approved, but we haven’t gained any additional support since last year’s attempt,” Albritton confessed, noting there seems to be a deliberate avoidance tactic at play to sideline the proposal.
The state has not seen voters decide on gambling since a 1999 lottery proposal by then-Governor Don Siegelman ended in rejection. Various gambling bills have been introduced over the years, proposing lotteries, casinos, or sports betting; however, disagreements over casino locations and resistance to gambling as a revenue source have consistently thwarted these efforts.
Albritton, representing a district that includes the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ headquarters, described the current proposal as a reduced version compared to past bills, which envisioned as many as ten casinos.
“This is a streamlined approach. It’s the minimum viable option both economically and politically,” Albritton contended.
Discussions behind closed doors have focused on permissible game types and the allocation of generated revenue. Gudger also mentioned the disappointment associated with last year’s failure of a similar gambling proposal, which narrowly missed passing by a single vote despite extensive legislative groundwork.