Alabama to discuss gambling expansion

In a session that begins today, legislators will discuss potential expansion of gambling in Alabama.

US.- Lawmakers in Alabama are set to discuss lottery and sports betting in the legislative session that begins today (February 2).

It comes after a state report reviewed the possible benefits of an expansion of gambling

Lottery and sports betting are set to be discussed in the session, with two lawmakers to introduce bills.

Lottery

Representative John Rogers has already introduced House Bill 199, which seeks to amend Section 65 of the state constitution to allow for an Alabama lottery.

In Rogers’ bill, 40 per cent of lottery revenues would go to the state education budget, 40 per cent to the state’s general fund, and 20 per to the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh has also said he would introduce a lottery bill which would require the state to negotiate a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Alabama is one of five US states without a lottery but thousands of its residents cross the state’s borders to buy lottery tickets when there are high jackpots on multi-state games such as Mega Millions and Powerball.

Sports betting

Along with his lottery bill, Rogers will present sports betting legislation to the session. He proposes legislation to allow in-person and mobile wagering.

He proposes the creation of an Alabama Sports Wagering Commission, which would issue licenses and take responsibility for regulation.