No matter their fandom, Alabamians have a passion for sports that runs deep. But when it comes to placing a friendly wager on the outcome, the state currently stands on the sidelines. With neighboring states embracing legalized sports betting and public support growing, it seems like only a matter of time before Alabama sports betting becomes a reality.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians offer limited pari-mutuel wagering on select sporting events at their tribal casinos. However, this does not constitute legal sports betting as commonly understood. 2024 featured a brief bid to legalize Alabama sports betting, but language that would have potentially done so was stricken from a wide-ranging piece of gambling legislation.
When will the country’s best sportsbooks come to the Yellowhammer State? Here’s what you need to know.
Alabama Sports Betting Key Facts
📝 Proposed launch date: Unknown
📝 Legal age: 21
📝 Number of betting licenses: Unknown
📝 Retail casinos: Alabama may consider licensing up to 10 casinos, all of which might be able to offer sports betting
📝 State regulator: Alabama Gaming Commission (newly created through legislation, should gambling expansion be approved)
📝 Last verified: March 20, 2024
Alabama Sports Betting Legal Timeline
Alabama has had a couple of false starts trying to legalize sports betting over the past few years. While states around it have made progress, Alabama has been significantly more reluctant because of its long-standing opposition to gambling.
Considerable progress has been made, as HB 151 and HB 152, which would bring gambling expansion to a vote on Election Day, passed the House. However, Alabama sports betting language was removed from those bills in the Senate.
- March 2024 – Sports betting language is removed from HB 151 and HB 152.
- February 2024 – Two bills drafted in the House of Representatives (HB 151 and HB 152) pass the House and move to the Senate.
- May 2023 – The legislative session concludes without any gambling bills passed.
- January 2023 – Governor Kay Ivey expresses openness to discussing gaming legislation, including sports betting.
- May 2021 – A Senate bill to legalize sports betting in Alabama fails to draw attention.
- May 2019 – A House of Representatives bill to legalize sports betting in Alabama fails to draw attention.
When Will Sportsbooks Go Live in Alabama?
There’s still no clear indication of when Alabama sports betting will launch. After the decisions made by the Alabama Senate, any sort of launch won’t be coming until at least late-2025.
Expected Alabama Online Sportsbooks
Nobody can say for sure which online sportsbooks will show up in Alabama. However, based off of prior states and their launches, we can guess most (maybe all) of the below operators will be prominent whenever Alabama sports betting goes live:
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- ESPN BET
- bet365 Sportsbook
Betting in Sports in Alabama
The details regarding Alabama sportsbooks and the state’s sports betting market are still being developed. Once the state launches the market, the approved legislation will most likely carry the following attributes:
✔️ Age: Bettors will most likely need to be at least 21 years old. This age restriction is in line with other states and aims to prevent underage gambling.
✔️ Mobile users: Sports betting in Alabama will likely allow mobile users to place bets through licensed platforms or mobile applications.
✔️ Lives in state: While explicit residency requirements may not be mandated, individuals participating in sports betting are typically required to be physically located within the state’s borders when placing bets. This ensures compliance with state laws and regulations.
✔️ Remote registration: Remote registration for Alabama sports betting accounts is likely, meaning individuals can sign up and create accounts online without needing to visit a physical location. This convenience streamlines the registration process for bettors.
✔️ Taxed as personal income: Winnings from sports betting are almost certainly going to be taxed as personal income in Alabama. Bettors will be responsible for reporting their winnings as part of their annual tax filings. The specific tax rate may vary depending on the total amount won and other factors determined by state tax and betting laws.
Legal Betting in Nearby States for 2024
While Alabama awaits its turn to join the sports betting party, several neighboring states have already opened their doors to legal wagers:
Tennessee
Right across the northern border, Tennessee launched online and retail sports betting in November 2020. With numerous sportsbooks vying for bettors’ action, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Mississippi
Retail sports betting became legal in Mississippi in August 2021. Several casinos offer sportsbooks, providing a brick-and-mortar experience.
Louisiana
Louisiana offers both retail and online sports betting, which launched in January 2022.
Florida
While retail sports betting is limited to tribal casinos, Florida offers limited online sports betting through Hard Rock Bet. Check regulations and eligibility carefully before placing any bets.
Georgia
This neighbor currently prohibits legal sports betting, but legislative discussions are ongoing. Keep an eye out for potential future developments.
AL Sports Betting: Pros and Cons
Gambling has a complex and varied history in Alabama, marked by periods of prohibition and legalization. In the early 19th century, gambling was prevalent across the state, with activities ranging from card games to horse racing. However, as concerns about moral and social implications grew, Alabama implemented strict anti-gambling laws, effectively banning most forms of gambling.
In more recent decades, there have been shifts in attitudes towards gambling in Alabama. In the 1980s, charitable bingo and raffles were legalized, providing a regulated avenue for gambling while benefiting community organizations. Additionally, Native American tribes in Alabama have asserted their rights to operate gambling establishments on tribal lands, leading to the emergence of tribal casinos offering electronic bingo and other games.
Despite these developments, debates over the expansion of gambling, including the legalization of Alabama sportsbooks and the establishment of commercial casinos, continue to shape the landscape of gambling in the state. However, there are still some obstacles in the way.
✔️ A growing number of lawmakers want to legalize sports betting and casinos
✔️ Tribal casinos exist in the state, allowing for an easier transition as opposed to a completely non-gambling state
✔️ Most of Alabama’s neighboring states now offer sports betting or will in the near future.
✔️ Sports betting is already taking place in Alabama; legalizing it will allow the state to capture the tax revenue, licensing fees and more.
❌ A conservative segment of the population continues to fight against Alabama sports betting and gambling expansion
❌ Political differences and differences over the state’s gambling and betting frameworks may delay the approval and launch.
How to Claim An Alabama Sports Betting Promo Code
Sports betting promo codes offer a range of benefits for both operators and bettors alike. For operators, promo codes serve as powerful marketing tools, helping to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
By offering enticing promotions such as bonus bets, free bets, or deposit matches, Alabama sportsbooks can effectively differentiate themselves in a crowded market, driving customer acquisition and increasing brand loyalty. Promo codes also enable operators to track the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns, allowing them to refine their strategies for maximum impact.
For bettors, sports betting promo codes provide valuable opportunities to enhance their betting experience and potentially increase their winnings. With promo codes, bettors can access special offers and bonuses that can boost their betting bankroll or provide additional incentives to wager on specific events or markets.
This added value can make the betting experience more enjoyable and rewarding for bettors, encouraging them to continue using the platform. Additionally, promo codes can introduce bettors to new betting platforms or markets that they may not have explored otherwise, expanding their betting horizons and diversifying their options.
Overall, sports betting promo codes create a win-win situation for operators and bettors, driving engagement, loyalty and profitability in the increasingly competitive sports betting industry. The process for taking advantage of the Alabama sports betting bonuses will be very simple:
1. Visit Winners and Whiners once Alabama launches legal sports betting.
2. Register for an account with the sportsbook through Visit Winners and Whiners by finding the sportsbook and clicking on the respective link.
3. Click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button. Fill out the required information, including your name, email address, date of birth and create a secure password.
4. After successfully registering, log in to your account using your newly created credentials.
5. Navigate to the “Promotions” or “Bonuses” section of the website to explore available bonuses and promotions offered by for new users.
6. Choose an Alabama betting bonus that suits your preferences and click on the corresponding link to claim it. Follow any prompts or instructions provided to ensure the bonus is successfully credited to your account.
7. Once you’ve claimed your bonus, proceed to deposit funds into your account to start betting. Look for the “Deposit” or “Add Funds” option on the website.
8. Select your preferred payment method from the available options, such as credit/debit card, bank transfer, e-wallet, or other accepted methods.
9. Enter the amount you wish to deposit into your account. Make sure to meet any minimum deposit requirements specified by the platform.
10. Follow the prompts to complete the deposit transaction securely. Depending on the chosen payment method, you may need to provide additional information or confirm the transaction via email or SMS.
11. Once the funds are successfully deposited into your account, you’re ready to start placing bets on sports events. Navigate to the sportsbook section of the Alabama betting site to browse available betting markets and place your wagers.
12. Before placing bets, ensure you understand and meet any additional requirements or terms and conditions set forth by or the Alabama regulatory authorities. This may include verifying your identity, confirming your age, or adhering to responsible gambling practices.
13. Begin exploring the wide range of sports betting options available, including various sports leagues, events and betting types. Enjoy the excitement of legal sports betting in Alabama while staying informed and responsible throughout your betting journey.
Prohibited Betting Options
While legal sports betting may offer a wide array of options for Alabama sports bettors, certain categories of events will likely remain off-limits for wagering. These include:
Politics
Betting on political events, such as elections or political outcomes, is typically prohibited in most jurisdictions, including Alabama. This restriction aims to prevent the manipulation of political processes and maintain the integrity of elections.
eSports
While eSports have gained significant popularity worldwide, including as competitive events for betting, they may not be included in the list of permissible betting options in Alabama. Regulations often lag behind the rapidly evolving landscape of eSports, leading to their exclusion from legal betting markets in some areas.
Emmys
Award ceremonies such as the Emmys, which celebrate excellence in television programming, are unlikely to be available for betting in Alabama. Betting on entertainment award outcomes is generally restricted to maintain the distinction between games of skill or chance and events based on subjective judgments.
Academy Awards
Similarly, the Academy Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in the film industry, are not typically included in legal betting markets. This prohibition helps prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensures the integrity of the awards process.
Alabama Sports Betting: Hometown Sports Teams
In Alabama, sports betting enthusiasts have a special affinity for their hometown sports teams across various professional leagues. While Alabama itself does not host major professional sports teams in the NHL, NBA, NFL, or MLB, residents often support teams from nearby regions. Here are examples of prominent teams in each league:
NHL
Alabama does not have an NHL team of its own. However, fans in the state often support teams from nearby cities, such as the Nashville Predators in Tennessee or the Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets) in Georgia before their relocation.
NBA
Similarly, Alabama does not host an NBA franchise. Basketball fans in the state typically rally behind teams from nearby regions, including the Memphis Grizzlies in Tennessee or the Atlanta Hawks in Georgia. For that reason, NBA betting could still be very popular.
NFL
While there are no NFL teams within the state, NFL betting enthusiasts can support several nearby teams, such as the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, or Tennessee Titans. However, Alabama boasts a rich football tradition at the college level, with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers commanding passionate fan bases.
MLB
Alabama does not have an MLB team, but baseball remains a beloved sport in the state. Fans often cheer for teams like the Atlanta Braves in neighboring Georgia or the nearby Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves. Additionally, collegiate baseball teams like the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers receive fervent support from local communities.
Responsible Gambling in Alabama
In Alabama, as in many other states, responsible gambling regulations are implemented to protect individuals from the potential harms associated with gambling and to promote a safe and fair gambling environment. While specific regulations may vary, here are some common responsible gambling measures that could be implemented for Alabama betting sites:
Age Verification
Strict age verification procedures are enforced to ensure that only individuals who are at least 21 years old can participate in gambling activities. This helps prevent underage gambling and protects minors from the risks associated with gambling.
Self-Exclusion Programs
State-regulated gambling facilities and online platforms may offer self-exclusion programs that allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities for a specified period. This gives individuals struggling with gambling addiction the opportunity to seek help and take a break from gambling.
Limits on Betting
Limits on betting amounts and frequency may be imposed to prevent individuals from placing excessive bets or spending more money than they can afford to lose. These limits help promote responsible gambling behavior and reduce the risk of financial harm.
Responsible Gambling Information
Gambling operators are often required to provide information about responsible gambling practices, including resources for problem gambling assistance and helpline numbers. This ensures that individuals have access to support and assistance if they need help controlling their gambling habits.
Training for Staff
Staff members at gambling establishments are trained to recognize signs of problem gambling and to assist individuals who may be struggling. They are trained to provide information about responsible gambling resources and to offer support to those in need.
Advertising Regulations
Regulations may be implemented to restrict the advertising of gambling products and services by Alabama sports betting sites, especially those targeting vulnerable populations such as minors or individuals with gambling problems. This helps minimize the potential negative impact of gambling advertising on susceptible individuals.
Financial Controls
Measures may be in place to prevent individuals from using illicit funds or engaging in money laundering activities through gambling. Financial controls help ensure the integrity of the gambling industry and protect against criminal exploitation.
Collaboration with Support Organizations
State authorities often collaborate with organizations dedicated to addressing problem gambling, such as addiction treatment centers, counseling services and support groups. This collaboration ensures that individuals struggling with gambling addiction have access to the help they need.
Alabama Sports Betting FAQs
Will there be pre-launch AL sports betting promo codes available?
Pre-launch promotional codes for Alabama sports betting may vary depending on the operators and platforms involved. It’s recommended to check with specific sportsbooks or online platforms for any available pre-launch promotions or bonus codes.
What is the closest state that has legalized sports betting?
Mississippi and Tennessee are the closest states to Alabama that have legalized sports betting. Several casinos in Mississippi offer sports betting services, providing an option for Alabama residents willing to travel to place bets legally.
Which sportsbooks will be available at launch when sports betting goes live in Alabama?
The specific sportsbooks available at launch in Alabama may depend on licensing agreements and regulatory approvals. Popular sportsbooks that could potentially be available include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and others.
Which sports betting apps work in Alabama currently?
Currently, there are no legal sports betting apps operating in Alabama. However, once sports betting becomes legal and operational in the state, various sports betting apps may be available for residents to use, subject to regulatory approval.
