Lottery Bill Back At State House
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After this year’s record breaking lottery, the idea of a lottery in Alabama gained even more attention.
But not everyone thinks it’s the best idea for the state.
That includes Dan Ireland, who’s been speaking out against the concept since the 70’s.
“I still say it’s gambling. Gambling is based on losing. No gambling is going to exist without losers and there will be very few winners. Most of the losers are people that’s putting their last dollar in there hoping they can see a brighter light down the road,” said Ireland.
At the public hearing, there were six people who got up to oppose the bill, including Ireland. The only supporter was the bill’s sponsor, Senator Jim McClendon.
He says the lottery isn’t something personal for him, it’s about his constituents.
“I’m bringing this bill because my constituents want the opportunity to vote on Alabama having a lottery. My constituents are tired of driving to Georgia, some parts of the state they drive to Florida, some parts of the state they drive to Tennessee,” said Sen. McClendon.
The bill is very short, not even 100 words. It calls for the people of the state to vote on creating a lottery. Some of the opponents are worried the simple wording could open the door to even more gaming in the state.
Senator McClendon says that’s been a concern for him too.
“We’ve worked very hard to make sure this is a tight bill, that it doesn’t allow some form of gambling that I’m not interested in promoting. Those folks, they are absolutely entitled to their opinion. The beauty of this bill? We get this bill through, they can go to the polls and vote against it,” said McClendon.
