Chances of Gambling Legalization in Alabama in 2025 Are “Slim”

09.12.2024

Hopes for imminent changes to Alabama’s gambling laws may prove unfounded. Senator Sam Givhan believes the chances of passing legislation permitting lotteries and gambling in 2025 are slim, citing a lack of sufficient support in the Senate.

Major Obstacles to Legal Gambling in Alabama

Senator Sam Givhan has expressed doubts about gaining enough support for a gambling bill in the Senate, even after changes in its composition following the elections. He suggests that the issue is not just about 2025 but could persist for the next four years.

According to Givhan, a majority of the Republican caucus in the Senate must back the bill for it to be brought to a vote.

Additionally, former Senate President Greg Reed, who was opposed to gambling but ultimately voted for the 2024 gambling package, has been replaced by new Senate President Garlan Gudger. Gudger is expected to vote against gambling, further reducing the likelihood of legalization.

Given these slim chances, the House of Representatives, which has previously supported gambling legalization, has no plans to reintroduce the bill.

One Missing Vote

The Alabama Senate failed to pass a gambling package in 2024. House Bill 151 (HB 151) passed the House of Representatives but fell one vote short of the required three-fifths majority in the Senate to proceed to a referendum.

A new gambling package would now face even more hurdles, but even without additional challenges, HB 151 was unable to secure the necessary support in the Senate.

The rejection of the 2024 package and Senator Givhan’s pessimistic outlook suggest that gambling legalization in Alabama is unlikely in the near future.