Alabama Senate to debate gambling bill
A new gambling bill in Alabama would overturn the state s ban on gambling, establish a lottery, and bring in more casinos. Author: Kelly Kennedy Updated: 9:12 PM CST February 22, 2021
ALABAMA, USA After a week long break, the Alabama State Legislature will be back in session on Tuesday, and state senators are expected to debate a new gambling bill that would bring in a state lottery and a limited number of casinos.
A couple gambling bills by Senator Del Marsh were approved in the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee. They will now be debated in the State Legislature.
Despite media reports linking proposed gambling legislation to an agreement to allow the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to build a new casino in either DeKalb or Jackson counties, Dist. 8 State Sen. Steve Livingston assured constituents he will study the bill and follow any amendments to it carefully.
Livingston, who represents DeKalb, Jackson and Madison counties, sits on the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee, which gave a favorable report Wednesday to Senate Bill 214. This proposed amendment to the Alabama Constitution is sponsored by State Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston. It would overturn Alabamaâs ban on gambling and games of chance. Senate Bill 215 is the enabling legislation that would go into effect if SB214 is passed and then ratified by Alabama voters on the Nov. 2022 ballot. A 1999 referendum on a constitutional amendment to create a state state lottery and to earmark the resulting revenue for use in education failed 54% to 46%.