Gambling expansion in Alabama faces first test

The Alabama Legislature will discuss the state’s lottery and casino bill this week.

US.- A new lottery and casino bill will face its first test in the Alabama Legislature this week.

Despite opposition, supporters to the bill are pushing for a potential expansion of gambling in the state to be put to voters in a referendum for the first time since 1999.

The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee is considering the proposal. If approved, it could go the Senate floor as early as Thursday.

The bill presented by Republican Senator Del Marsh of Anniston proposes Alabama allow a state lottery and five casinos which would be able to offer table games, sports betting and slot machines.

The proposal would have to be approved by a three-fifths majority of each chamber of the Alabama Legislature and then a majority of voters in a referendum.

Under the bill, one casino would be located at a north Alabama site operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The other four would be at racecourses, at VictoryLand dog track in Macon County, Greenetrack in Green County, the Birmingham racecourse and the racecourse in Mobile owned by the Poarch Band.

The proposal would also see the governor to negotiate with the Poarch Band for a compact involving their other facilities.

Governor Kay Ivey has said that she will not enter a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) until voters have their say on gambling expansion through a referendum