Gambling
Gambling, ethics bills fall short as legislative session ends
Alabama lawmakers closed the books on this year’s regular legislative session Thursday. While Republican leaders passed many of their priority bills, perhaps the most talked about issue – gambling – died.
A look at what passed and failed in the 2024 legislative session
Alabama lawmakers have ended a 2024 legislative session that saw the Republican majority win approval for a number of their top priorities.
Gambling bill in doubt with three days left in the legislative session
Alabama lawmakers are coming down to the finish line for this year’s legislative session. Many bills await passage, but perhaps the biggest one up in the air is a lottery and gambling bill.
Gambling bills face uncertain future in the Alabama legislature
This year looked to be different for lottery and gambling legislation, which has fallen short for years in the Alabama legislature. But this week, with only a handful of meeting days left, competing House and Senate proposals were sent to a conference committee to work out differences.
As Alabama tries to legalize sports betting, advocates point to neighboring states’ success
Increased tax revenues in states like Louisiana are one reason many pro-sports betting Alabamians say it’s time to catch up to neighbors in the Gulf South.
IVF, school choice and gambling dominate the week in Montgomery
Most in vitro fertilization services resumed across Alabama after Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law Wednesday night granting immunity to fertility clinics. This is in response to an Alabama Supreme Court ruling last month that found frozen embryos are children.
Alabama lawmakers pass protections for IVF clinics
In vitro fertilization dominated the conversation in Montgomery for another week in the wake of last month’s Alabama Supreme Court ruling that found frozen embryos are considered children.
Gambling becomes the first big issue of the legislative session
Alabama lawmakers got their first look at a sweeping lottery and casino bill this week. The governor also released her plan for education savings accounts.
Alabama lawmakers push sweeping gambling bill that would allow lottery and casinos
Alabama is one of few states without a state lottery, after lawmakers in 1999 rejected a proposal to allow one. And unlike neighboring Mississippi, the state has been resistant to full-fledged casinos with table games and slot machines.
Ivey says ‘now is the time’ for a statewide vote on lottery and gambling bills
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called Tuesday night for the creation of a limited school voucher program and announced support for two controversial measures before lawmakers this year: gambling legislation and absentee ballot restrictions.
Alabama fires baseball coach after report of suspicious bets
The firing was announced three days after a report warning of suspicious wagers prompted Ohio’s top gambling regulator to bar licensed sportsbooks in the state from accepting bets on Alabama baseball games. Pennsylvania and New Jersey also have halted bets on Alabama baseball.
‘Divisive concepts’ bill passes Alabama House
The measure faced a questionable future just a week ago when a House committee failed to act on it.
Alabama lawmakers roll the dice on a new lottery bill
The constitutional amendment would authorize a state lottery, sports betting, eight full casinos and two smaller gambling operations.
The 2022 Alabama legislative session starts Tuesday. Here’s what to expect
The COVID-19 pandemic will be an undercurrent to this year's legislative session. So too will the fact it's an election year.
Legislative Wrap-Up: What Died And What Passed On The Final Day
Many bills made it out before Monday's deadline. But the lawmakers also expect a special session later this year.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Medical Marijuana And Yoga Bills Pass, Gambling Bill Stalls
A medical marijuana bill goes to the governor. Meanwhile a gambling bill looks unlikely to pass this session.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Updated Sex Ed Language, DA’s Fight Medical Marijuana Bill
Alabama lawmakers have been more receptive to bills that ease restrictions on alcohol this year. Senators approved a wine delivery bill this week without much debate.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Senate Moves To Nullify Federal Gun Control, Passes Gambling Bill
Alabama is one of several conservative states where lawmakers are considering a measure making it a crime to enforce federal gun regulations.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Transgender Sports, Abortion, Riot Bills Advance
Alabama is one of several states considering bills restricting transgender minors. The sports bill is the second one related to transgender youth introduced this session.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Gambling Fails, Medical Marijuana, Anti-Riot Bills Face Hurdles
A bill that would have added a lottery and casinos was defeated in the Senate. In the aftermath, some lawmakers said a lottery-only bill would have stood a better chance.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Gambling, Medical Marijuana, No-Excuse Absentee Voting
One of the measures that passed with very little debate in the Alabama Senate this week would authorize the use of medical marijuana. But the measure could face bigger challenges in the House.
Gambling Proposals Must Pass The ‘Smell Test’ Before Going To Voters, Ivey Tells Lawmakers
The governor recapped the challenges of 2020, particularly on schools and the economy.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Yoga, Banning Gender Therapies
State lawmakers this week considered bills around yoga, guns, and gender therapy for minors.
Alabama Senate Approves Lottery Bill
Alabama Senators voted 21-12 to approve a lottery bill. The measure would limit a lottery to paper tickets. It now goes to the House of Representatives.
Ivey Says Lottery Approval Is up to Legislature, Voters
Gov. Kay Ivey isn’t necessarily a big fan of a new state lottery, but she would not get in the way if the Legislature and Alabama voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to legalize the games.
What’s Next for VictoryLand and Macon County
According to VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor, the sprawling Macon County gaming and entertainment complex should reopen this year, almost three years after it closed. The closure followed years of legal battles and a 2013 raid where the state seized more than 1,600 bingo machines and $253,000. But in October, an Alabama Circuit Judge ruled in Victoryland’s favor, paving the wave for its return. For more we turn to Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD. He tells WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley that VictoryLand once held an important place in Macon County’s economy.
Alabama Lawmakers Propose Vote on State Lottery
State Senator Jim McClendon, a Republican from Springville, has proposed a bill that would allow Alabamians to vote on whether or not they want a state lottery.
What Expanded Gambling Could Mean for Alabama
State lawmakers took three legislative sessions to craft a bare-bones budget this year. Next year’s budget picture isn’t any rosier so calls are increasing for Alabama to expand gambling or start a lottery. Such a move would certainly mean revenue for the state, but just as with a roll of the dice, there’s risk. We start with that in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Kyle Whitimire: Could gambling become legal in Alabama?
Gov. Bentley wants to take authority to enforce Alabama’s gambling laws away from Attorney General Luther Strange and vest that power in local sheriffs and district attorneys. And, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill goes on a voter registration drive. Kyle Whitmire is state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com and he spoke […]
Does Anything Look Encouraging in the Special Legislative Session?
The special session in the Alabama legislature is underway, and it turns out to be not much different than the regular session. Lawmakers are unable to agree on how to fund the state’s $200 million dollar shortfall. Here to discuss this is Kyle Whitmire. He’s the state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL […]
Taxes, Gambling, and the Special Session
Governor Bentley calls a special session and then it was promptly adjourned for three weeks. And Republicans face a choice between new taxes or gambling. Here to discuss this (and other news)is Kyle Whitmire. He’s the state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL dot com
Special Session Likely For Alabama Legislature
With the clock winding down on the 2015 legislative session, Alabama legislators have still not solved the state’s largest problem: a general fund budget shortfall of more than $250 million. While some new revenue measures passed this week, it’s not nearly enough to fill the gap.
