Anticipation Builds for 2025 Alabama Gambling and Lottery Legislation: What’s Next?
As the Alabama Legislature gears up for the 2025 session, discussions regarding gambling and lottery legislation are anticipated to resurface. In May 2024, a proposed package encompassing lottery and gambling regulations narrowly missed approval, passing in the House but falling short by just one vote in the Senate during the final days of the session.
Background on Recent Developments
In the months following the legislative session’s conclusion, significant developments in the gambling sector have taken place. In November, Wind Creek Hospitality, a company owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, announced an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Race Course from the McGregor family, which also owns the Victoryland Casino. This acquisition is expected to be finalized in early 2025, potentially influencing the upcoming legislative discussions.
Legislators’ Perspectives on Future Bills
State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) commented on the current status of any emerging gambling-related legislation in the 2025 session. Speaking to 1819 News on Wednesday, Albritton remarked, ‘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.’ He noted that while he has not seen any new bills or proposals, the conversation around gambling remains relevant and pressing.
Conversely, fellow State Senator Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) expressed a belief that another lottery and gambling bill is likely to be introduced in the upcoming session. Smitherman stated, ‘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.’
Governor’s Stance and Legislative Outlook
Gina Maiola, a spokesperson for Governor Kay Ivey, referenced the governor’s previous positions on gambling and indicated a preference for impending legislative discussions to take precedence. ‘The governor has made her position on gambling clear last Session, as well in years past. That being said, at this point, I would refer you to the Legislature,’ Maiola said.
In addition to this, State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), who opposed previous gambling bills during the 2024 session, characterized a lottery bill as ‘low-hanging fruit.’ He acknowledged that if a lottery were established, it could pave the way for expanding gaming options, such as table games and slot machines on the Poarch Creek Indians’ tribal lands located in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka.
Public Sentiment and Considerations
Senator Orr emphasized the importance of addressing public sentiment surrounding a potential lottery. ‘What I hear from people is: lottery. They want a lottery,’ Orr said. However, he acknowledged the need to consider the implications that could arise, particularly how establishing a lottery might lead to the introduction of table games elsewhere. Maintaining a clear conversation about the potential fallout from such changes will be crucial for lawmakers as they explore the issue, he added.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how gambling and lottery legislation will evolve in Alabama, but the upcoming 2025 session is likely to be an important period for these issues.
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