Few expected Alabama to be one of the states to actively consider sports betting legislation this year. However, Alabama sports betting took one step closer to becoming a reality Wednesday.
The Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee voted to advance a pair of bills to the House floor. While there’s still a long way to go, the passage out of committee represents significant progress on the road to bringing some of the best sportsbooks to the Yellowhammer State.
HB 151 and HB 152 take steps forward
The two bills represent comprehensive gambling legislation that doesn’t stop at legalizing Alabama sports betting. They would also legalize in-state casinos and create an Alabama lottery, too.
There are, however, several hurdles these pieces of legislation need to clear. Alabama law states the House and Senate must approve bills by way of a three-fifths majority, so a simple majority won’t be enough.
As a final step, the bills would also need to pass the ballot box. They would become law if Alabama voters approve them this November by way of a constitutional amendment. Such a scenario would pave the way for an eventual launch of Alabama sports betting at some point in 2025.
This fits with the approach taken by Alabama’s neighbor to the east. Earlier this year, a bill legalizing sports betting in Georgia advanced out of the Senate, but with an amendment attached requiring a vote on Election Day.
Could Alabama sports betting become a reality?
A possible launch of Alabama sports betting wasn’t on the radar of many people. However, this comprehensive legislation was drafted after a statewide tour that saw lawmakers visit areas where illegal gambling was widespread.
In addition, the southeast United States has suddenly become a hotbed of sports betting activity. Florida relaunched its sports betting industry in late-2023, and North Carolina online sports betting is set to launch on Monday, March 11. As mentioned, Georgia is considering sending the issue to the ballot box, and Mississippi could soon add online sports betting options, too.
