Sports betting, casinos removed from Alabama gambling bill
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Lawmakers debated for hours on the senate floor Thursday regarding changes to the comprehensive gambling bill. The inclusion of sports betting and casinos from the original bill is on the chopping block, leading to intense discussion from senators.
Senator Bobby Singleton said they’ve had trouble reaching the votes needed to pass the bill, so the hope is by simplifying what’s included, they’ll be able to switch some of the nay votes.
“It basically gives us historical horse racing and a lottery. It takes away the sports betting,” said Singleton. “Instead of going for Class 3 gaming, we’ll have Class 2 gaming in the state of Alabama.”
House Bill 151 eventually passed through the senate with 22-11.
During an interview with CBS 42 last month, Governor Kay Ivey said she would not sign off on the gambling bill unless it was comprehensive, including sports betting and casinos.
“I think the governor’s office needs to get involved right now, push a little bit harder, push on those people,” said Singleton. “We know who the no votes are. We know who they are and push hard at those no votes and let’s try to get it done. I want what the governor wants.”
“We’re looking at revenues from the House Bill about $750 million – $1 billion potentially as it grows. From this bill that we have right now, you’re looking anywhere from $250-$350 million” said Singleton. “That’s a significant drop in the revenue that could come for gaming in the state of Alabama.”
Senator Greg Albritton, one of the sponsors of the original bill, passionately defended the bill during amendment debates. Albritton said the house bill that came up included 90% of what the senate had already passed twice.
“This was told to me by professionals and others, the bill the house sent up was the best bill that had been developed. It was better than the other two we passed. Why? Because it wasn’t a hodge podge. It had been thought out, for 14 months it was worked on,” said Albritton.
Albritton said whether people want to admit it or not, gambling is a natural human activity that happens every day.
