Alabama Sports Betting Bill Faces Uphill Battle

The prospects for legalized sports betting in Alabama seem bleak this year, with key lawmakers indicating that the issue lacks sufficient support in the state Senate.

Sen. Greg Albritton, a leading advocate for sports betting and gambling expansion, has said he does not currently have the votes to advance the bill.

Alabama’s Gambling Reforms: A Lengthy Journey

Alabama has historically struggled to pass comprehensive gambling reforms. Despite the House of Representatives passing a gambling package last year — covering sports betting, casino gambling, and a state lottery — the bill was effectively killed in the Senate. Senate leadership insists that any progress must start in that chamber, adding another layer of complexity.

Albritton has spearheaded these efforts. In 2022, he authored a comprehensive gambling bill that received mixed reactions. Last year, the Alabama House passed a similar bill, but it stalled in the Senate again. 

The bill needs at least 21 votes in the Senate to advance, a threshold Albritton is currently struggling to reach. A bill will likely remain off the table this year unless Albritton can gather the required votes.

“I would have a bill today dropped if I had 21 votes in the Senate,” Albritton told local outlet 1819 News. 

Key Sports Betting Backer: ‘Moral Obligation’

Albritton said he believes Alabama has a “moral obligation” to regulate the sports betting industry, which would protect the public and offer Alabamians a legal avenue to place bets.

“Alabama has a moral obligation to take control of this industry and to regulate it, to protect the public,” he said. 

Despite his efforts, Alabama remains one of just five states without a state lottery. Gambling legalization efforts from the state have consistently been unsuccessful. The week before the Super Bowl, state legislators conducted informal betting to show how public demand for legal sports betting differs from their legislative inaction.

“Last week, before Sunday’s Super Bowl, bets were being made in the State House, I will say it that way, on the upcoming Super Bowl,” Albritton said. 

These informal bets emphasize the growing frustration surrounding the issue. Many believe Alabama is missing out on potential tax revenue and consumer protections by failing to legalize the industry.

The Role of Tribal Influence in Gambling Reform

Tribal involvement in the gambling debate has also been significant. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians recently acquired the Birmingham Racecourse, a major horse racing track in the state. Some residents of Alabama thought that tribal lobbying activities would influence legislators to make decisions. In November, the Poarch Band hired the influential lobbying firm Fine Geddie, sparking further speculation.

However, Albritton dismissed these theories, asserting that the tribe’s involvement had not helped him gather the necessary votes.

“It does not seem to. I can’t seem to get my 21 votes. And that has been discussed,” he said. “I have got about two or three votes shy in the Senate to get this done.”