Nearly a month after the Alabama Senate made substantial changes to approve gambling legislation — including the creation of a state lottery and possible casino gambling — the package remains uncertain.
Sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, HB 151 and HB 152 originally called for a state lottery and allowed casino gaming and sports wagering in seven Alabama locations. However, the bills have been continuously modified by lawmakers who have differing views on gambling.
“The original House bills and the Senate versions are very different, and it could be that the two sides are just too far apart,” noted Greg Davis, president and CEO of Alabama Citizens Action Programs. “Both versions would result in legitimizing, normalizing and expanding access to gambling in Alabama. Both bills choose winners and losers and reward selected illegal operators.”
The House will continue to evaluate the Senate’s bill changes, such as eliminating sports wagering and decreasing the number of potential casino locations. The Senate’s approved version allows a state lottery, electronic betting machines at the state’s four dog tracks and other locations, and instructs Gov. Kay Ivey to make an agreement with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which runs casinos in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka.
Regarding the ongoing process, Greg Reed, Senate president pro tempore, said the House is reviewing the Senate’s numerous proposed changes.
“I think they wanted to take some time to do that [and] I think that’s important … . We will see what the definitions are going to be moving forward.”
Next steps
Because Alabama lawmakers have yet to find common ground on the highly disputed gambling legislation, the bills remain at a standstill. The House must agree to the changes or send the proposal to a conference committee, which would allow a joint-chamber committee to make changes on both sides.
“There doesn’t seem to be a rush by the House to concur with the Senate’s version that would send the issue of gambling legalization in Alabama to the voters on Sept. 10,” Davis noted.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the issue finally goes to a conference committee made up of members of both legislative bodies to try and reach a compromise, but it’s impossible to predict what will happen.”
For the legislation to pass, the proposal must be approved by 60% of the House and Senate and obtain a voter majority. Alabama Baptists like Davis have repeatedly voiced their disapproval of the gambling legislation.
“We are opposed to both versions of the bills and continue to pray and advocate for the enforcement of Alabama’s current laws concerning gambling,” Davis said. “Alabama is better without the vice gambling and that should be our goal.
“We encourage pastors and church leaders to share with their congregations the dangers, addiction and loss that come with gambling, whether legally or illegally.”
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