Lottery, gambling expansion bills filed in Senate
– Bills introduced Thursday in the Alabama Senate would let Alabamians vote to have a statewide lottery and create a state commission to expand, regulate and tax casino-style gambling and sports betting. This year`s legislative session is about two-thirds complete, putting the proposal on a tight timeline, but Albritton said lawmakers can pass it if they`re so motivated. Under the legislation, a new Alabama Education Lottery and Gambling Commission would: Require the Alabama governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that allows for casino-style gambling and sports betting at its sites. Put a 20% tax on the net gambling revenues for casinos and sports betting.
Revenue would flow to a new “Alabama Education Lottery Trust Fund,” that lawmakers would distribute annually. Gambling revenue could be worth $750 million to $800 million per year, Albritton said. Albritton has argued recently that Alabamians want a lottery and are already gambling in ways that are unregulated and untaxed by the state. The state of New York recently reported that it has taken in nearly $80 million in revenue since early January when it legalized online sports betting.
Last year, the Alabama Senate approved a wide ranging gambling plan that included a state lottery, expanded casino operations and legalized sports betting. If approved by the Legislature, the measure would go before voters in the November general election and Albritton said lawmakers should consider public support for it an election year issue. In an early 2020 poll of 625 registered Alabama voters for Alabama Daily News, 80% of respondents said they support a lottery.
Revenue would flow to a new “Alabama Education Lottery Trust Fund,” that lawmakers would distribute annually. Gambling revenue could be worth $750 million to $800 million per year, Albritton said. Albritton has argued recently that Alabamians want a lottery and are already gambling in ways that are unregulated and untaxed by the state. The state of New York recently reported that it has taken in nearly $80 million in revenue since early January when it legalized online sports betting.
Last year, the Alabama Senate approved a wide ranging gambling plan that included a state lottery, expanded casino operations and legalized sports betting. If approved by the Legislature, the measure would go before voters in the November general election and Albritton said lawmakers should consider public support for it an election year issue. In an early 2020 poll of 625 registered Alabama voters for Alabama Daily News, 80% of respondents said they support a lottery.