Written by: Rhianna Padman | 
Fact-checked by: James Whitelock Updated September 5, 2024 | 
24 min read
In recent years, Alabama has witnessed significant shifts in its stance towards gambling, encompassing a variety of forms such as tribal casinos, daily fantasy sports, historical horse racing, greyhound racing, and off-track betting. This article delves into the current landscape of gambling in Alabama, highlighting the changes, economic impacts, and the ongoing debates surrounding this complex issue.
Introduction to Alabama’s Gambling Legislation
In Alabama, the journey to legalize sports betting has faced numerous hurdles. Despite the 2018 allowance for states to legalize sports betting, Alabama has not succeeded in passing the necessary legislation. Recent efforts, including House Bills 151 and 152, stalled when a Senate committee removed provisions for retail and online sports betting. Concerns about potential harm to young people and lack of support from certain groups contributed to this decision. Senator Greg Albritton introduced a broader plan that includes sports betting, a state lottery, and electronic gambling, but he has not secured enough votes. The proposal requires voter approval through a constitutional amendment, but without legislative support, it remains on hold. Additionally, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who operate casinos in Alabama, support comprehensive gambling legislation, including sports betting. However, disagreements over revenue allocation and permissible gambling types have hindered progress. With only twelve legislative days left and unresolved budgetary issues, Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger confirmed that no gambling legislation will advance this year.
Tribal Casinos and Their Economic Impact
One of the pivotal aspects of gambling in Alabama involves the tribal casinos operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. These facilities, which currently offer electronic bingo, represent a significant portion of the gambling landscape. The tribe has been a key player in negotiations concerning the expansion of gambling, which could potentially include more traditional casino games like slots and table games.
Expansion of Gambling Options
Recent legislative efforts have aimed to broaden the scope of legal gambling in Alabama. These include proposals for a state lottery, sports betting, and the licensing of additional casinos. The introduction of House Bills HB 151 and HB 152 marked a historic move towards establishing a regulated gambling framework in the state.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) have become a popular pastime in Alabama since the state legalized them in 2019. This change came after a period of prohibition from 2016 to 2019, when former Attorney General Luther Strange deemed DFS illegal gambling. The legalization was part of the Fantasy Contests Act, which established licensing requirements and consumer protection regulations. Operators must apply for licenses, adhere to these regulations, and pay a 10.5% tax on their in-state revenue. All DFS sites must register with the Office of the Attorney General and implement integrity, safety, and responsible gambling protocols. Prominent companies like DraftKings and FanDuel are now operating in Alabama, offering a variety of contests. Players can participate in pick ’em contests, which involve making predictions on athletes’ stats, as long as they follow the rules set by the state. The minimum age to participate is 19, and players must pay state and federal taxes on their winnings. Despite past controversies, DFS remains popular, with adjustments made to comply with state laws, ensuring a safe environment for players.
Historical Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing
Historical horse racing, which allows bets on replays of past races, and greyhound racing have also been part of Alabama’s gambling offerings. The state has several racetracks that facilitate these forms of betting, contributing to the local economy and providing entertainment options for residents.
While greyhound racing is legal in Alabama, the last live race was held in March 2020. Simulcast betting on greyhound races is legal in the state. West Virginia is the only state that hosts live greyhound racing.
Challenges and Controversies
In Alabama, the journey to legalize sports betting has faced numerous hurdles. Despite the 2018 allowance for states to legalize sports betting, Alabama has not succeeded in passing the necessary legislation. Recent efforts, including House Bills 151 and 152, stalled when a Senate committee removed provisions for retail and online sports betting. Concerns about potential harm to young people and lack of support from certain groups contributed to this decision. Senator Greg Albritton introduced a broader plan that includes sports betting, a state lottery, and electronic gambling, but he has not secured enough votes. The proposal requires voter approval through a constitutional amendment, but without legislative support, it remains on hold. Additionally, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who operate casinos in Alabama, support comprehensive gambling legislation, including sports betting. However, disagreements over revenue allocation and permissible gambling types have hindered progress. With only twelve legislative days left and unresolved budgetary issues, Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger confirmed that no gambling legislation will advance this year.
Off-Track Betting and Its Regulation
In Alabama, horse racing enthusiasts have several options for off-track betting, despite the absence of live horse racing events in the state. The state offers simulcast racing, allowing fans to watch and wager on horse races from various locations. This is primarily available at greyhound racing sites, such as Birmingham Greyhound Racing, Mobile Greyhound Park, and Victoryland Greyhound Park in Shorter, Alabama. These venues provide simulcast broadcasts of horse races, enabling bettors to engage in the excitement of horse racing without leaving the state. For those who prefer the convenience of online betting, Alabama residents can access numerous reputable online racebooks. These platforms offer a wide range of betting options, including future bets on major global races like the Epsom Derby and the US Triple Crown races. Online racebooks often provide attractive bonuses and promotions, such as weekly or daily cash back, enhancing the betting experience for users. This allows bettors to place wagers anytime and anywhere, making it a flexible option for horse racing fans. The Birmingham Greyhound Racing facility offers live dog racing five days a week and simulcast horse wagering seven days a week. It features additional amenities like billiards, a darts room, and a driving range. Meanwhile, the Mobile Greyhound Park provides seasonal live greyhound racing and daily simulcast dog and horse racing, along with a poker room and multiple dining options. Victoryland, although embroiled in legal battles over electronic bingo machines, offers simulcast horse and dog racing every day except Tuesday, with a restaurant serving pub food. Overall, Alabama’s off-track betting scene provides a variety of options for horse racing enthusiasts. Whether through simulcast racing at local venues or online racebooks, bettors can enjoy the thrill of horse racing and place wagers on their favorite events.
Conclusion: The Future of Gambling in Alabama
As Alabama continues to navigate the complexities of legalized gambling, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The potential economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenue, must be weighed against the social risks and regulatory hurdles. The outcome of ongoing legislative efforts will significantly shape the future of gambling in Alabama, influencing not only the economic landscape but also the social fabric of the state.
In summary, the evolution of legalized gambling in Alabama is a dynamic and multifaceted issue, reflecting broader trends in societal attitudes towards gambling and economic development. As the state moves forward, it will be crucial to balance economic benefits with social responsibilities to ensure a sustainable and equitable gambling industry.