A new gambling plan passed for Alabama 

Published 1:34 pm Thursday, August 15, 2024

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Alabama, a sweet home for many, is rapidly changing. Arguably, the Heart of Dixie state is a bit more restrictive regarding gambling in all forms, but we are seeing positive changes happening in that aspect. Over $67 billion in revenue was made in the US during 2023, and Alabama missed out on the opportunity to become part of that success. However, in 2024, bills HB151 and H152 are looking to change all that, or at least lay the foundation for future improvements and laxer regulations.

While progress is being made, Alabamians still don’t have local options for online casinos, but they can always find and use some of the best casino apps if they wish to gamble online, until the legalities get sorted out. Casino apps are a great way to play casino games at any time and anywhere, and they are enjoyed by many gamers in US states where they are allowed, and we have no doubt Alabama will soon join the list. With each legislation, the situation is changing towards a brighter future for avid casino players.

Sports wagering and a state lottery are the current hot topics that are the next most likely forms to get legalized in Alabama, and the recent HB 151 passed with 22 votes, changing the previous track record of gambling bills getting shot down on the Senate floor. Optimism is in the air as this constitutional amendment allows for a slew of new gambling options in Alabama. Players who are expecting other online forms of gambling like online sports betting, crypto gambling, gambling, and another modern version of gambling, September 10th, 2024. is the date to mark on their calendar.

The upcoming Alabama Senate hearing about amending the constitution so that online gambling can happen will take place on September 10th, but until then, there’s more than enough material to go through. For now, the legal framework for the further development and implementation of a statewide lottery, pari-mutuel betting, horse racing at numerous tracks across the state, and a gambling contract with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has been established. The H151 bill will allow Alabamians to vote on the following legalizations, giving the residents a final say in the matter, in the upcoming vote.

The predictions so far look positive and optimistic, and should the final vote be positive, it will pave the way to open up other forms of legal gambling, as Alabama is also tackling the topic. For a gambling industry to thrive in a state, it needs healthy foundations, and Alabama will also establish a special gambling division that will monitor all further lottery games. And not just lottery but all gambling activities and ensure that they are all legal, thus preventing the rise and subsequent damages of illegal gambling.

This division will be within the Alabama Gambling Commission. One who could benefit plenty from a potential legislature is the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, as the legislature would allow for all activities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which many other tribes utilize through the US. Last but not least, the successful passing of bills and approval by voters may open the door for more forms of gambling to become legal, like roulette, craps, and blackjack, which all fall into Class III gaming. Whatever the outcome, it will be clear which path Alabama will take after September and November 2024.