After an executive order was signed by Governor Robert Bentley of the state of Alabama, the creation of the Alabama Advisory Council on Gaming was set to begin. Individuals would be named as members of the new council, including the appointment of Senator Bobby Singleton this past Friday. Singleton is one of eleven appointments being made to the new council, which will take a look at current gambling laws in the state as well as looking at other states to see how they implement regulations and laws in the industry.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh appointed Singleton to the Council as well as Senator Greg Albritton. Other members of the council include:

  • Jim Byard, Jr. Director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
  • Clinton Carter Director of Alabama Department of Finance
  • Carrie McCollum General Counsel of Alabama Credit Union Administration
  • Connie Rowe Representative from Jasper
  • Curtis Stewart Deputy Commissioner of Alabama Department of Revenue
  • Jim Carns Representative from Birmingham
  • Craig Ford House Minority Leader
  • Barry Matson Deputy Director of Alabama District Attorneys Association
  • Bobby Timmons Executive Director of Alabama Sheriffs Association

Governor Bentley commented on the appointments stating that he is looking forward to the recommendation that will be presented by the eleven person Advisory Council. Bentley stated that in recent years, a considerable amount of time and resources have been spent debating the subject of gaming in the state. The Governor is hopeful that the group will be able to come up with new ideas or solutions that will help to resolve the ongoing issues of gaming and provide a clear direction for the state going forward.

The council will be reviewing the current gambling laws including taxes generated from such laws, to be able to determine what practices in other states work best. This will include the structures of tax revenue, creating and implementing laws and regulations as well as comparing laws in Alabama to federal gaming laws that are applicable.