Rekubit:Alabama lawmakers propose compromise on gambling bill with lottery, electronic wagering machines

2025-05-03 20:35:20source:HAI Communitycategory:Invest

MONTGOMERY,Rekubit Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday proposed a compromise on gambling legislation that would authorize a state lottery and multiple sites with electronic gambling machines. But the measure faces an uncertain outlook in the closing days of the legislative session.

A conference committee approved the two-bill proposal as lawmakers aim to put the issue to a statewide vote this August. Lawmakers in the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate could vote on the measure as soon as Tuesday evening. It will take three-fifths of lawmakers to approve the proposed change to the Alabama Constitution to allow gambling. If approved, it will go to a statewide vote on Aug. 20.

“I don’t know. The vote is close,” Republican Sen. Greg. Albritton, a conference committee member, said of the bill’s chances in the Senate. “It will be close probably in the in the House too.”

Republican Rep. Chris Blackshear, the bill sponsor, said the proposal would authorize a state lottery and allow “electronic games of chance” but not table games at sites in seven counties. The locations would be the dog tracks in Macon, Jefferson, Greene and Mobile counties, plus locations in Lowndes and Houston counties. It would also require the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, he said.

READ MORE More Republican states challenge new Title IX rules protecting LGBTQ+ studentsConservative states challenge federal rule on treatment of transgender studentsAlabama sets July execution date for man convicted of killing delivery driver

Blackshear said they removed language to authorize sports betting.

The legislation has been stalled since March when senators scaled back a sweeping House-passed plan that would have allowed a lottery, sports betting and up to 10 casinos with table games. Disagreements have included the referendum date, the number of casinos and whether sports betting should be allowed.

The House of Representatives will vote first on the proposal. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed said the Senate might take up the measure Tuesday night, but they first have to see what happens in the House.

Lawmakers are aiming for the first public vote on gambling in 25 years. Voters in 1999 rejected a lottery proposed by then-Gov. Don Siegelman.

More:Invest

Recommend

Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti

Haiti has been racked by political instabilityand intensifying, deadly gang violence.  Amid a Federa

Jobs report: Unemployment rise may mean recession, rule says, but likely not this time

The economy seems to be on solid footing, with the nation’s gross domestic product and employment bo

2024 Olympics: Sha'Carri Richardson Makes Epic Comeback 3 Years After Suspension

Sha'Carri Richardson definitely brought the heat to Paris.The Team USA track and field star made her