Alabama introduces gambling bill
HB 490 has been referred to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
US.- Alabama lawmakers have introduced House Bill 490, which would create an Alabama Gaming Commission and establish a framework for electronic games of chance, sports betting and a lottery. The bill was introduced by Rep. Jeremy Gray and four co-sponsors.
According to the proposed legislation, sports betting would be taxed at 10 per cent of revenue. An undetermined number of licenses would be issued for online and retail betting. No suggested licence fee is included in the text. An NIL Oversight Committee would have the responsibility of regulating name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation for high school student-athletes.
The legislation has been referred to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. The legislative session in Alabama ends on May 15. Last year, Alabama lawmakers ended the legislative session without approving a bill that would have put gaming to a public vote. It was approved by the House but failed by one vote earlier in a Senate session.
The bill approved by the House would have allowed a lottery, sports betting and up to 10 casinos with slot machines and table games. The Senate favoured a more limited version that only included a lottery and historical horse racing.
