Alabama Casino Legislation Likely Addressed in 2025, Per Lawmakers

After sponsoring a gambling bill last legislative session, those same sponsors say that gambling in 2025 is still very much on the table in Alabama. 

“It is here. It is here to stay,” said Sen. Greg Albritton, a Republican of Atmore, to CBS 42 about illegal gambling in the state. “And the only thing we can do in Alabama is try to grasp control of that industry so we can protect the public and be a beneficiary of it.”

This comes after Rep. Matthew Hammett introduced HB 41, which would’ve increased penalties for those found guilty of illegal gambling. 

Sen. Albritton sponsored a gambling bill in the Senate but ultimately voted against it, citing that it didn’t help his constituents. Now, he’s saying it’ll be difficult to find a lawmaker willing to sponsor a bill after it doesn’t pass. 

“Going from a lottery only to the comprehensive plan, to everything in between- and we haven’t been able to garnish the votes in both houses,” explained Sen. Albritton.

Another Lawmaker Sponsored A Gambling Bill

Rep. Sam Jones, a Democrat from Mobile, sponsored a gambling bill in the House of Representatives. He has said he’d be willing to work on the bill across the aisle. 

“And when it got to the Senate, a lot of discussion took place,” he said. “And someone there didn’t agree with something in it, and it didn’t make it before the people. The people never got an opportunity to vote on it. Really, never got an opportunity to digest it.”

Jones also mentioned a willingness to work with the Poarch Creek Indians, a constituency Albritton cited in the previous bill. 

“I don’t know if we really addressed everything they’d like to see. But you know, I think that those discussions can continue. I don’t see any reasons why they shouldn’t continue,” said Sen. Jones. “Since they’re already in the business here in the state.”

Political Analyst Weighs In

Speaking about the matter of casino gambling in Alabama in 2025, political analyst Steve Flowers told CBS 42 that there’s more to this considering the Poarch Creek Indian's purchase of Birmingham Racecourse and Casino. 

“This move tells me they’re getting ready to move,” said Flowers. “And if they get out of the way or get behind casino gambling, it’ll pass. “It won’t pass with the governor’s strength. The governor doesn’t have the strength the casinos do.”

Flowers elaborated that they have a lot of say in gambling in Alabama. 

“They may sit back and say ‘when the timing’s right’,” he said. “They’ve secured their future. If you’re going to have casino gambling in the state, the Birmingham location is the golden goose.”

Andy Whitt Expects Multiple Bills

Rep. Andy Whitt, a Republican from Harvest, also sponsored the bill during the last session. He stated that the House has proven willing to pass a gaming bill. Whitt said that, in 2025, he expects there to be multiple gaming bills, though he’s not working on any legislation personally.