Alabama’s Gambling Future: A Look Ahead to 2025 Legislation on Lotteries and Casinos
As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Alabama’s lawmakers may once again engage in discussions regarding gambling and lottery legislation. The final moments of the 2024 session in May witnessed a close call when a proposed gambling and lottery package passed the House but fell short by just one vote in the Senate. With the end of the session, the future of such legislation remains uncertain yet promising.
Recent Developments in Alabama Gambling
In November, a significant restructuring took place within Alabama’s gaming landscape. Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, announced an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Race Course from the McGregor family, proprietors of the Birmingham Race Course and both Victoryland Casino and Birmingham Race Course. The sale is slated for completion in early 2025, potentially altering the state’s gaming dynamics and setting the stage for renewed discussions on gambling legislation.
Legislative Perspectives
State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) conveyed to 1819 News that, at present, there is no ongoing work on any new gambling legislation for the upcoming session. ‘The problem hasn’t gone away,’ Albritton remarked. ‘It’s not a matter of if, but when.’ He acknowledged that he has not seen any bill proposals or heard of any legislators working on the matter at this time.
In contrast, State Senator Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) expressed optimism that a new gambling and lottery initiative would emerge in 2025. ‘I think that issue is going to come before us,’ he stated, although he remains uncertain about the extent of attention it will receive.
Gina Maiola, a spokesperson for Governor Kay Ivey, reiterated the governor’s established position on gambling, referring all queries back to the Legislature. ‘At this point, I would refer you to the Legislature,’ Maiola stated.
Potential Lottery Legislation and Its Implications
State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), who consistently voted against various gambling measures during the 2024 session, suggested on Huntsville radio’s ‘The Dale Jackson Show’ that a lottery-only bill could be considered ‘low-hanging fruit.’ If such legislation were to be enacted, it could pave the way for additional gaming options, including table games and slot machines, on the Poarch Creek Indians’ tribal lands in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka.
‘The conversations regarding the capabilities of the PCI if we were to have a lottery will likely continue,’ Orr noted. ‘What I hear from people is: lottery. They want a lottery.’ However, Orr emphasized the importance of understanding the broader implications, particularly how the introduction of a lottery could potentially lead to demands for more expansive gaming elsewhere in the state.
Conclusion
As Alabama prepares for another year of legislative scrutiny, the topic of gambling and lottery laws remains a prominent and contentious issue among legislators and the public alike. With potential developments on the horizon and the recent agreement between Wind Creek Hospitality and the McGregor family, the 2025 session may bring renewed debate that could reshape Alabama’s gaming landscape.