Alabama lottery and casino bill to go to vote next week

Senator Del Marsh said a revised version of the bill would be up for vote in the Senate next Tuesday.

US.- A bill that would allow voters to decide whether or not to legalise lottery and casinos in Alabama should be up for vote next week, according to Senator Del Marsh.

The Republican senator said a revised version of the bill should be up for vote in the Senate next Tuesday.

One key decision yet to be made is how many casinos the legislation will allow.

At present, the bill proposes five but March is considering adding more. He is listening to requests to add a casino in the Dothan area.

However, Marsh said that Governor Kay Ivey has made it clear she prefers the number to stay at five.

While Marsh believes he has enough votes for the legislation to pass the Senate, he recognises the importance of the governor’s support.

The five potential casino locations that have the governor’s support include four at each of the state’s existing dog tracks and a fifth which would be run by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The bill would also legalise lottery in the state. Alabama is one of five states in the US without a lottery. Thousands of residents cross the state’s borders to buy lottery tickets for high jackpot drawers such as Mega Millions and Powerball.

If the bill passes the Senate next Tuesday, it would move to the House. Alabama residents would then have the final say on the ballot in November.