Alabama gambling, lottery bills stall as legislative session nears end

The future of lottery and gambling legislation in Alabama remains uncertain as the state legislature enters the final stretch of its session, with little progress made on competing proposals to expand gaming.

Lawmakers are weighing two different approaches: a comprehensive gambling expansion plan and a narrower proposal focused solely on creating a state lottery.

In the Senate, Sen. Merika Coleman has introduced a wide-ranging bill that would allow voters to decide whether to legalize a state lottery, in-person casino gaming, and sports betting. The measure would establish a regulatory framework for casinos and sports wagering and require a constitutional amendment, meaning the proposal would ultimately be decided by voters at the ballot box.

In the House, Rep. Phillip Ensler has proposed what he calls the “Clean Lottery Act,” a lottery-only measure aimed at sidestepping political hurdles that have stalled broader gambling packages in previous legislative sessions.

Ensler described the bill as a stripped-down proposal focused solely on creating a state lottery.

Under the plan, revenue generated by the lottery would be split among three priorities: direct rebate checks for Alabama residents, additional funding for public education, and support for public health programs.

So far, however, neither measure has advanced significantly in the legislature. Coleman’s bill remains in a Senate committee and has not moved to the full chamber, while Ensler’s lottery-only proposal has yet to receive a committee hearing.
With just days left in the legislative session, the lack of movement raises questions about whether any gambling legislation will reach the floor for a vote this year.

Debate over gambling has persisted in Alabama for years, including repeated failed attempts to establish a statewide lottery, as well as concerns about unregulated gaming operations and how potential gambling revenues should be allocated.