A bill to expand gambling in Alabama is facing some unexpected hurdles, after having some momentum in the House, as House Bill 152 (HB 152) slides the brakes in the Senate. While the bill passed the House by a 67–31 vote, its fate now hangs in the balance.
And then there’s the Senate, which has pushed back on gambling expansion.
Action on Alabama’s comprehensive gaming expansion plan remains stalled in the Senate despite early optimism. Introduced by Rep. Chris Blackshear, and sponsored in the Senate by state Sen. Greg Albritton, HB 152 seeks to legalize retail sportsbooks, mobile betting apps, commercial casino gambling and a state lottery.
However, the bill is stuck in the Senate Tourism Committee, which has not scheduled a hearing date for it. Albritton has conceded that support is insufficient among Republicans to push the bill forward now, presenting a major obstacle to broader gambling reform.
Main Factors Affecting Expansion of Gambling
A few serious issues are stalling the momentum for HB 152. An unresolved point of contention is how to distribute sports betting tax revenues. The position of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, a strong player in Alabama’s gaming landscape, also complicates negotiations.
The bill’s scope is another major hurdle. Unlike many of the other states that have legalized sports betting as a freestanding matter since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, Alabama’s proposed legislation combines sports betting with the formation of a state lottery. This comprehensive tack stands in contrast to more focused legislation in other places, making agreement that much harder to come by.
Increased Diplomatic Pressure and Political Drama
Alabama’s reticence comes in contrast to surrounding states, such as Mississippi and Tennessee, where legalized gambling has enjoyed a broader embrace. The absence of legal sports betting in Alabama underscores a widening gap in the Southeast, particularly as Georgia contemplates a series of gambling expansion bills of its own.
Since the legislative session deadline is approaching, Alabama is under more pressure to determine where to stand. Supporters say that legalizing gambling would reduce black-market activity, while creating revenue for education and public services. Even so, internal disagreements have led to gridlock.
What’s at Stake for Alabama
HB 152 is about more than just a policy shift — it is a reflection of Alabama’s larger attitude toward gambling regulation. How the bill fares could either modernize the state’s response or keep it rooted in more traditionally conservative territory. While legislators are debating, observers from the industry and stakeholders are paying close attention.”
As the legislative window begins to close, supporters of gambling expansion are doubling down on their push to build consensus and advance the bill. But it remains to be seen whether the state can rise above political gridlock.
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