Alabama Lawmakers Renew Gambling Debate for 2025

As Alabama’s 2025 legislative session approaches, residents are being bombarded with political ads pushing for gambling regulation. The ads, which focus on a state lottery and online sports betting, aim to build public awareness and pressure lawmakers to bring the issue to a statewide referendum. This renewed push follows last year’s failed attempt, when a proposed gambling bill passed the House but fell one vote short in the Senate. Lawmakers are gearing up to try again when the new session begins next week, and advocacy groups on both sides are intensifying their efforts.

The pro-lottery campaign is being led by the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama, which has launched ads across social media platforms. These ads direct viewers to Give Alabama a Voice, a website encouraging voters to contact their legislators and demand a say in whether Alabama should have a lottery. Proponents argue that Alabama is losing billions of dollars in potential lottery revenue as residents cross state lines to buy tickets in neighboring states. They claim that keeping that money within state borders could help fund education and infrastructure projects without raising taxes.

 

The Developments

On the sports betting front, the Sports Betting Alliance—a coalition that includes industry giants like DraftKings and FanDuel—is leading the charge. Their campaign focuses on consumer protection and economic benefits, emphasizing that legalizing online betting would curb the use of unregulated offshore gambling platforms while generating an estimated $65 million to $90 million in annual tax revenue. The group argues that Alabama is missing out on an industry that many states have already embraced and that the additional revenue could be a financial boost without new tax burdens on residents.

While gambling reform has support in both legislative chambers and from Governor Kay Ivey, internal disagreements derailed last year’s efforts. The House passed a bill proposing a referendum on sports betting and commercial casinos, but the Senate’s version favored off-track betting and historical horse racing to protect existing gaming interests, particularly the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. A compromise was nearly reached, but Senator Greg Albritton refused to cast the deciding vote, citing concerns that allowing slot machines at racetracks would disadvantage the tribe while denying them an opportunity to build a new casino in northeastern Alabama. With 20 senators in favor and 15 opposed, the bill fell one vote short of the three-fifths supermajority required to place the measure on the ballot.

As proponents rally support, opposition groups are mobilizing as well. The Alabama Policy Institute (API) recently launched a website warning of the fiscal and social consequences of gambling expansion. API argues that a state lottery and casino-style gaming would not resolve Alabama’s long-term economic challenges and could lead to greater government dependence on gambling revenue. The group also warns of the potential for increased gambling addiction and financial hardship among vulnerable populations.

 

We’ve never been closer! Here in 2025, we have the momentum to vote on an Alabama Lottery, giving YOU the chance to participate in billions of dollars in lottery winnings

 

The Future

Alabama’s gambling debate comes at a time when other states are moving forward with similar initiatives. New York lawmakers have introduced an online casino bill, while Hawaii is considering adding lottery-based online gaming and sports betting. With momentum building on both sides of the issue, Alabama’s 2025 legislative session is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the state’s long-standing battle over gambling legalization. Whether lawmakers can bridge their differences this time remains to be seen.