The Senate could revisit casinos and sports betting initiatives after it returns on March 30

Alabama Senate panel passes lottery bill, gambling expansion legislation

“You have members who want to see a more comprehensive gaming package and those who do prefer a simple lottery. All we did today was keep both alive,” said Sen. Del Marsh, chairman of the Tourism Committee.
2021-03-18
Reading time 2:22 min
The Tourism Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would authorize a lottery where tickets could be sold at stores, kiosks and through a phone app. Sen. Del Marsh said he wants to give senators time to reconsider and possibly amend the passed bill to add the casinos and sports betting, after these efforts failed by two votes earlier this month.

The Alabama Senate Tourism Committee on Wednesday approved a bill to allow voters to decide whether to start a lottery. Also, the sponsor of an earlier plan that included a lottery, casinos, and sports betting said that proposal might return with the passed bill as a vehicle for negotiations.

Republican Sen. Del Marsh of Anniston, chairman of the Tourism Committee, urged the panel to pass a lottery bill by Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville. The committee approved McClendon’s bill, as well as legislation tied to Marsh’s plan for a larger expansion of gambling, which fell two votes shy of approval in the Senate on March 9.

Marsh said he wants to give senators time to reconsider and possibly amend McClendon’s bill to add the casinos and sports betting, AL.com reports. The Legislature is off for spring break next week, so the Senate could revisit the issues after it returns on March 30.

In addition, the Tourism Committee delayed action on a bill by Sen. Garlan Gudger, a Republican from Cullman, that would authorize a lottery, although instant games would be limited to paper lottery tickets and could not be sold electronically.

A lottery or any expansion of gambling in Alabama would require approval by three-fifths of lawmakers and a constitutional amendment approved by voters. Marsh said the Legislature needs to approve a bill this session so voters can make a decision on gambling, whether it’s a lottery only or a more expansive plan. Other Republican leaders in the Legislature have said say they’re hearing more than ever from people in their districts that they want a chance to vote on a lottery. Alabama is one of five states without a state lottery. 

McClendon’s plan would set up an Alabama lottery and allow people to play multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as instant games. People could also play the lottery on their phones. The net revenue would be split evenly between education and the General Fund.

Asked about the possibility of the Senate changing his bill to add the casinos and sports betting, McClendon said he was going to try to stay focused on the purpose of his bill. “My goal is to get a lottery so that people in my district don’t have to go to another state and buy a ticket,” McClendon said. “And in order to attain that, I may have to entertain some changes to this simple lottery bill. It’s all about the votes.” McClendon said he would also try to gauge where the House of Representatives stands.

“Since last week’s vote I’ve had members come to me asking about reconsideration, that some folks weren’t there,” Marsh said. “I said listen, what’s important is we get something out there for people to make a decision on. So all I’ve done today are keep all the options open. We would have had trouble getting a clean lottery bill out today because you have members on both sides of this issue. You have members that want to see a more comprehensive gaming package. And those who do prefer a simple lottery. All we did today was keep both alive.”

Marsh said lawmakers can take time to study the proposals and talk with constituents during the weeklong spring break next week.

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