New gambling bill up for discussion this session
A South Alabama state senator has drafted a bill that would legalize some gaming in the state.
Under the current draft, State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Baldwin County) says his bill includes a lottery, sports betting and electronic bingo at the six existing facilities. Unlike last year’s legislation, it would not add any new facilities.
The bill would levy a state tax on the net gaming revenues of gaming activities. Taxes would include a 24% tax on the net revenues of electronic games of chance and sports wagering, a gaming excise tax on each electronic game of chance at a licensed gaming establishment and a sports wagering tax for each bet placed in the state.
Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R – Cullman) released the following statement to Action 8 News regarding the prospects of gaming legislation:
“With 12 meeting days remaining in the session, both budgets still awaiting approval, and other important bills and measures demanding focus and attention, the comprehensive gaming bill released today is simply too little, too late, and has too few votes to pass.”
“I believe that passing a comprehensive gaming bill in the Senate will require engaging in long-term and intense negotiations among members and securing the needed votes and commitments well before a legislative session even begins.”
Last year’s gaming bill, sponsored by Republican senator Chris Blackshear, passed the house, but failed the senate by one vote. Sen. Albritton was one of the no votes against that bill.
If the bill passes both chambers, it will go before the people of Alabama to vote at a later date.
