A sweeping effort to legalize gambling and establish a state lottery in Alabama was abruptly shelved in the state legislature, with its primary sponsor now declaring the issue effectively buried for the foreseeable future. Senator Greg Albritton, a Republican from Atmore, who has long championed the initiative, expressed deep disappointment following Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger’s announcement that the measure would not advance this legislative session.

“We’ve been struggling with this for 25-26 years already … I don’t see anything changing,” Albritton said according to AL.com. Citing longstanding resistance among lawmakers, he added, “One thing has been proven is that it doesn’t matter what the bill says, period. If the word ‘gaming’ or ‘gambling’ shows up on the page, it’s a ‘no’ vote.”

Legislative Priorities Sideline Gambling Effort

The 141-page proposal, crafted by Albritton, aimed to introduce a state lottery, legalize electronic gaming at six pre-approved sites, authorize sports betting, and form a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to develop full-scale casinos at the tribe’s current three bingo facilities. Despite the comprehensive nature of the bill, the measure was unable to gain enough traction with only 12 legislative days remaining in the session.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, echoed Gudger’s decision, stressing the need to prioritize other legislative issues. These include new regulations for hemp-based products, reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and updates to health plans for members of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Senator Lance Bell of Pell City pointed out the crowded legislative agenda as a major reason for the bill’s downfall. “This year, we’re so tied up with PBMs, the hemp stuff and the ALFA health plan that this comes so late that I just don’t believe anyone had an opportunity to get to that. We have a lot on our plate with what few days we have,” Bell explained.

Slim Margins and Lingering Divisions

This year’s failed attempt comes just one year after the Senate rejected a similar plan by a razor-thin margin of one vote, following its approval in the House. That near-success was the closest the state had come to placing the question of legalized gambling before voters in the form of a constitutional amendment.

Although Albritton believed he had secured two additional votes earlier on Thursday after resolving an internal provision of the bill, Gudger’s decision to halt the proposal later that day dashed any remaining hopes.

Senator Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, noted that he was not present during Thursday’s developments due to a family medical issue and said he hadn’t even reviewed the newest draft. Still, he acknowledged Gudger’s decision was likely informed by an unfavorable vote count. “They dusted a vote count when I was gone,” Williams said. “But I am sure he did a vote count of the senators and did not have enough to pass it yet.”

Lingering Public Support and Political Ramifications

Despite persistent resistance in the legislature, public polling continues to show strong support for gambling reforms in Alabama. A November 2023 survey conducted by KAConsulting, led by Kellyanne Conway, found that 80% of respondents backed the lottery, with 64% in favor of casinos. Notably, 60% of those polled identified as Republican.

Alabama remains one of only five U.S. states without a state lottery, and that lack of progress may soon become a talking point in upcoming political contests. Senator Andrew Jones, R-Centre, who supports gambling legislation, indicated that his constituents overwhelmingly want a chance to vote on the issue. “Overwhelmingly, they want the right to vote on the issues,” Jones said. “It’s frustrating. It’s disappointing we won’t get anything over the finish line.”

Political strategist Jonathan Gray believes the matter is far from settled and predicts it will emerge as a hot-button issue in the 2026 elections. “This issue is not going to die,” Gray asserted.

Complexities Within the Bill Prove a Barrier

Senator Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, who opposed last year’s bill due to what he described as questionable earmarks, supported Gudger’s move to pull the plug, calling it “a smart move for the caucus … for everyone.” He added, “This thing was going to linger and take up time and energy and not get to a positive outcome and solution.”

Elliott also emphasized the importance of avoiding prolonged debate with no resolution in sight. His view was echoed by other senators who cited the complexity and shifting nature of the legislation as major challenges.

Senator Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, described the process as unpredictable and confusing. “One of the problems you run into is that you have an agreement on certain things and then you see them change one thing on it and you get another vote and then lose someone else,” Kelley explained. “You have everyone wanting a piece of the pie. You get 140 people in the legislature looking at this and everyone wanting something different.”

Senator Bell also raised concerns about how gambling revenues would be allocated, suggesting that hidden provisions in the bill could lead to spending on less urgent priorities. “It’s these little details that are put in the back of these bills that you must look at,” he said.

While the legislative chapter on gambling in Alabama may be closed for now, the public’s interest remains. Whether lawmakers revisit the issue after the next election cycle—or stick to Albritton’s prediction of a 20-year freeze—remains to be seen.