Lottery Bills Get First Test in Alabama Legislature

Lottery supporters and opponents are squaring off in the Alabama Legislature.

A Senate committee on Tuesday morning heard passionate testimony during a public hearing on five lottery bills.

The committee is weighing Gov. Robert Bentley’s plan to set up a lottery to fund Medicaid. The committee is also considering rival proposals that would allow electronic gambling machines at dog tracks or a compact with the Poarch Creeks for casino gambling.

Gambling opponent Joe Godfrey said lotteries and casinos prey upon a state’s poor citizens’ hopes of striking it rich.

Mac McArthur, director of the Alabama State Employees Association, said a lottery appears to be the only way to obtain money for the state’s cash-strapped general fund.

Committee members could vote on the bills as soon as Tuesday afternoon.

Alabama is one of six states without a lottery.

Attorney General Luther Strange issued the following statement today in advance of the Alabama Legislature’s consideration of various lottery amendments to fund state government.

“I am personally opposed to any lottery to fund state government. I believe the lottery is, at best, a band aid on the state’s budgetary problems and will not provide the kind of long-term solution we need. As Attorney General, I have been approached by the Legislature to offer a legal interpretation of the impact of the various lottery proposals upon the state. My office has reviewed the Governor’s proposed constitutional amendment (SB3). If the amendment passes as proposed and is followed by responsible enabling legislation, my legal team believes it will create a limited lottery without the kinds of loopholes that will lead to casino gambling or protracted litigation. However, if Senator McClendon’s proposed constitutional amendment (SB11) passes, my legal team believes it will not only allow for a lottery but will lead to casino gambling and protracted litigation.”

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