Alabama Senate support for expansion uncertain

Legislation to legalise and regulate gaming does not have enough support from Republicans in the state Senate to advance from committee, the Alabama Daily News reported.

Some Senators object to the scale of the bill, Sen. Greg Albritton said.

HB 152, which passed the state House on February 15, would authorise as many as 10 casinos, a state lottery, sports betting, traditional bingo and raffles. It would also direct Gov. Kay Ivey to negotiate a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Albritton, who wants the Senate Tourism Committee to consider the bill this week, did say there is a lot of interest in finding a path to passage.

Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston, who sits on the Senate Tourism Committee, said the Republican Caucus would discuss the legislation this week, noting that there are many differing opinions among its members.

HB 151, which would remove bans on lotteries and games of chance established in Alabama’s 1901 constitution, passed on February 15 as well. However, Alabama voters would have to approve the change to the state constitution.

Source: Fantini’s Gaming Report