- Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-4) released a statement that Alabama sports betting does not have the votes to pass in 2025
- Simply too many issues remaining in the 2025 legislative session to tackle sports betting
- Several sports betting bills have been introduced this session
The leader of the Alabama Senate doused the state’s sports betting hopes with a bucket of cold water.
Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-4) noted Alabama sports betting does not have the votes to pass in the 2025 legislative session, noting the state still has to work through several more important issues with just a few working days left in the session.
Gudger’s comments came last week after two new sports betting plans were introduced.
Waiting on Alabama Budgets
Gudger’s office released the following statement from the Senator regarding sports betting:
“With 12 meeting days remaining in the session, both budgets still awaiting approval, and other important bills and measures demanding focus and attention, the comprehensive gaming bill released today is simply too little, too late, and has too few votes to pass,” Gudger said.
Gudger’s office released the statement on April 3.
His statement came shortly after two state lawmakers introduced plans to legalize sports betting in the state.
Several Sports Betting Bills Introduced
The leader of the Senate dashed Alabama sports betting hopes just a few days after two new plans were introduced by state lawmakers. Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-83) last week introduced HB 490, a bill to legalize sports betting and establish an Alabama Gaming Commission to regulate the new form of gaming.
Additionally, Sen. Greg Albritton (R-22) last week also revealed a new sports betting plan to members of the Alabama media to legalize online sports betting, a state lottery, and allow for tribal casinos.
Under Gray’s plan, the state will establish the Alabama Gaming Commission, which would oversee the new form of gaming and issue sports betting licenses to operators. The state would tax sports betting at a rate of 10%, with tax revenues being distributed as such:
- 40% to the general fund
- 20% to the NIL trust fund
- 40% to the education trust fund
Albritton also revealed details of his Senate gaming legislation to members of the Alabama media. According to AL.com, Albritton’s legislation calls for the legalization of a state lottery, electronic gambling at several state sites, legal sports betting, and allows the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to negotiate a gaming compact for up to four tribal casinos in the state.
The legislation requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment during the Sept. 16, 2025 election. If approved by state lawmakers and voters, it would legalize the following:
- Sports betting
- Electronic gambling at former greyhound tracks in Jefferson, Macon, and Mobile Counties and at one bingo hall in each of Green, Houston, and Lowndes Counties
- A state lottery
- A requirement that a gaming compact be negotiated between the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the governor to allow for up to four casinos
The legislative session ends on Thursday, April 24.
Alabama sports betting has been a hot topic in the state legislature for quite some time now, with proponents arguing that it could bring in much-needed revenue and create new opportunities for economic growth. However, it seems that the push for legalizing sports betting in Alabama may have hit a roadblock, as Senate Leader Greg Reed recently stated that there are not enough votes to pass a sports betting bill.
Reed’s comments come as a disappointment to many who were hoping to see sports betting legalized in Alabama this year. The issue has been debated extensively in the state legislature, with supporters pointing to the success of sports betting in other states as evidence of its potential benefits. However, opponents have raised concerns about the social and moral implications of legalizing sports betting, as well as the potential for increased problem gambling.
Despite these concerns, many had hoped that Alabama would follow in the footsteps of other states that have already legalized sports betting, such as neighboring Mississippi. Proponents argued that legalizing sports betting could help generate much-needed revenue for the state, particularly in light of the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it seems that the push for legalizing sports betting in Alabama may have to wait for another day. Reed’s comments suggest that there simply isn’t enough support in the state legislature to pass a sports betting bill at this time. This is likely to come as a disappointment to many who were hoping to see Alabama join the growing number of states that have legalized sports betting in recent years.
While the future of sports betting in Alabama remains uncertain, it is clear that the issue is not going away anytime soon. Proponents are likely to continue pushing for legalization, while opponents will continue to voice their concerns. In the meantime, those in Alabama who are interested in sports betting will have to look to neighboring states or online options to place their bets.
