Alabama lawmakers concluded their legislative session on Thursday, May 9th, with a profound sense of disappointment as they failed to reach an agreement on a gambling bill. The bill, which had passed in the House earlier in the session, encountered an impasse in the Senate, failing by one vote. Despite the House’s approval of a compromise propuesta that included a statewide lottery and slot machines at seven locations, the Senate remained unyielding in its opposition, resulting in the bill’s ultimate demise. This outcome has effectively extended the 25-year stalemate on gambling in Alabama, denying voters the opportunity to voice their opinions in a referendum later this year.
Republican House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter expressed his frustration, stating, “There was a lot of effort to try to make it work. I think the people want a chance to vote. I hear that everywhere I go.” The bill that passed the House would have legalized a lottery, sports betting, and up to 10 casinos with slot machines and table games. However, the Senate’s more restrictive version only allowed for a lottery and permitted dog tracks and other venues to offer machines where players could wager on replays of horse races.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey shared her disappointment with the outcome, emphasizing her desire for the people to have the chance to vote on the issue. She acknowledged the possibility of calling a special session but expressed the futility of such an action without consensus among lawmakers.
Republican Representative Chris Blackshear, the sponsor of the legislation, lamented the missed opportunity to generate additional revenue for the state. “We had it as close as it’s been before. We had a chance,” he said.
The lack of a lottery in Alabama has prompted many residents to purchase lottery tickets in neighboring states, which has benefited programs outside of Alabama. Democratic Representative Barbara Drummond expressed her exasperation, stating, “I’m frustrated today. The House stood up like it should, but it hit a wall upstairs. It’s time we stop playing these games of special interest and look out for the people who send us here.”
Since 1999, when voters rejected a lottery proposal by then-Governor Don Siegelman, Alabamians have not had the opportunity to vote on gambling. Numerous attempts have been made to establish gambling in the state, but disagreements over casinos and electronic gambling machines have consistently thwarted these measures.
