Updated November 14, 2023By Chris Boline
In a state that has long been a battleground for gambling legalization, 2024 is shaping up to be a big year potentially for gaming in Alabama. Per a recent report, some state lawmakers expect to see gaming legislation during the upcoming legislative session. Gaming bills were not a focus of the 2023 session, but that could change this next year, according to recent local news reports in Alabama (CBS 42). New Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) said as his caucus figures out policy priorities, gaming bills are likely to be in the mix. This is juxtaposed with efforts in the statehouse having stalled out over the last few decades to pass legislation that would put the gaming question up to voters.
In this report, SBS will be going over what to look for from the latest gaming news coming from Alabama and also more notes about the state of gambling there.
Livingston says there will be a gaming bill next year
According to the same recent article, Livingston was quoted talking about the likelihood of a gaming bill coming to fruition next cycle. “There is a gaming bill likely to come in some capacity,” Livingston said. “We need to prioritize these based on what our caucus members would like to see and put those out.” As noted above regarding previous efforts for legalization, lawmakers would need to pass a constitutional amendment for citizens to vote on to legalize the activity.
Senator Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), a familiar name in this space, has sponsored gaming bills over the last several years and has said he plans to bring one next year. He has said the revenue could be an answer to the ballooning prison construction costs in Elmore County. “The gaming bill would produce probably close to a billion dollars every year, which would help the revenue and help us continue on even if a recession were to occur,” Albritton said.
Proj. Alabama gaming revenue would help infrastructure
Also noted in the same report, the revenue could also go toward infrastructure, education, or health care needs, according to Rep. Sam Jones (D-Mobile), who chaired a committee that spent months studying the impact of legalizing gaming in Alabama. Jones also points out that one-time federal COVID-19 relief dollars are drying up soon, and gaming revenue would help ease that funding cliff. “That revenue will not be present in the future, but there are tremendous needs that we need to address, and we think that the revenue from gaming will be a great way to approach some of those long-term needs within the state,” Jones said.
Moreover, Jones stresses that there would need to be bipartisan discussions on a gaming bill for the legislation to have a chance at passing. Alabama is one of five states without legal gaming.
Even more notes and information about Alabama
Once you are all squared away regarding the latest gaming news coming out of the Cotton State, make sure to also check out the plethora of information at SBS. Of course, for even more info on the topic at hand, our sports betting in Alabama guide is a must-read page where you can learn about the latest happenings in the state. Conversely, if you are perhaps uncertain about which payment options are the best for you, then the payment methods rundown is a fantastic page to check out. Here you can learn more about the different payment methods available to you from crypto to more traditional routes. Finally, if you are intrigued by some higher-stakes wagering, then our VIP sports betting sites breakdown is a great page to check out for info on VIP wagering and if it is the right fit for you.
About the Author
Chris Boline
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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