Alabama’s Gambling Future: What’s Next as Lottery Legislation Looms for 2025?
As the Alabama Legislature prepares for its 2025 session, discussions surrounding lottery and gambling legislation are anticipated to take center stage once again. The conversation comes on the heels of a gambling and lottery package that was passed by the House during the final days of the 2024 session, only to fall short by a single vote in the Senate.
Recent Developments in Gambling Legislation
The dynamic of the state’s gambling landscape is shifting following the announcement made in November 2024 that Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has reached an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Race Course. This sale, which includes the property owned by the McGregor family—operators of both the Birmingham Race Course and Victoryland Casino—is expected to finalize in early 2025.
Legislative Perspectives
State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) recently expressed to 1819 News that, as of now, he has not encountered any new gambling-related bills in the works for the upcoming session. “The problem hasn’t gone away. The issue hasn’t gone away so it’s not a matter of if, it’s simply a matter of when,” Albritton remarked. He noted a lack of confirmed proposals, stating, ‘I haven’t seen any bill. I’m unaware of anybody that has a bill.’
Conversely, State Senator Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) is optimistic that a new lottery and gambling bill will surface in 2025. ‘I think that issue is going to come before us. I just don’t know to what extent or how much attention it is going to get, but I’m sure someone is going to bring it before us,’ Smitherman remarked.
Governor Ivey’s Stance
The question of the state’s gambling policy also reaches the Governor’s office. Gina Maiola, a spokesperson for Governor Kay Ivey, indicated that the governor’s position on gambling has remained consistent throughout her tenure. “The governor has made her position on gambling clear last session, as well in years past,” said Maiola. However, she deferred further commentary on the issue to the Legislature, highlighting the ongoing dialogue surrounding the topic.
Potential Impact of a Lottery Bill
An important aspect of the upcoming legislative discussions will likely involve the potential implications of introducing a lottery in Alabama. Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), who voted against multiple gambling-related bills during the previous session, commented on the political dynamics at play. He referred to lottery legislation as “low-hanging fruit,” suggesting it could gain traction with the electorate. Orr further explained that the passage of a lottery bill could pave the way for the regulation of table games and slot machines on Poarch Creek Indians’ tribal lands in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka. This is due to the classification of lotteries as class III gaming under federal law.
“The feedback I am receiving is crystal clear: people want a lottery. If that leads to more table games elsewhere, we need to define what that fallout looks like for the voters,” Orr stated, emphasizing the importance of informing constituents about possible outcomes of a lottery initiative.
Looking Ahead
With the Alabama Legislature set to reconvene in 2025, it remains to be seen how the gambling landscape will evolve and whether new bills will emerge to address the ongoing debate over lotteries and gambling in the state. Stakeholders are watching closely, as the discussions could significantly impact the future of gaming regulation in Alabama.