Alabama Voters May Get Final Say on Sports Betting

• Sen. Merika Coleman (D-19) introduced a bill proposing an amendment to the state constitution to allow sports betting, casinos, and lottery
• The amendment will have to be approved by a three-fifths majority in the House and Senate
• Voters will have final say on issue at the polls in general election

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Alabama lawmakers could not push sports betting or casinos through law by themselves, so one Senator is hoping state voters will have the final say on the issue.

Sen. Merika Coleman (D-19) introduced SB 257, a bill to amend the state’s constitution to legalize casinos, Alabama sports betting, and a lottery. If approved by a three-fifth majority in both the House and Senate, voters would then be posed a constitutional amendment question in a future state election.

If approved, Alabama will establish a state lottery, authorize casinos, and legalize in-person and online sports betting.

All About the Revenue

It is a marked change in legalization efforts for state legislators. For the last several years, Alabama lawmakers have tried, and failed, to pass standalone bills to authorize the new forms of gaming and lottery.

Several bills were floated to legalize sports betting in 2025, but none were ever seriously considered for legalization.

Coleman said the state faces a shortage in revenue to support key services, according to AL.com. Sports betting, a legalized lottery, and land-based casinos could provide new revenue streams for the state and satiate constituents who are clamoring for all three.

“At the end of the day for me, this is about revenue,” Coleman said. “We have some major deficits that are coming up next year with DHR, Medicaid, other social services that people are relying on us in the state of Alabama to be able to help them move to self-sufficiency and in some cases health care.”

If approved, Alabama would also be required to work out a gaming compact with the Porch Band of Creek Indians and create a new commission to regulate gambling.

Discussions Last Several Years

This is not new for Alabama, as state lawmakers have discussed sports betting legislation over the last several years.

At least two sports betting plans were introduced in 2025. . Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-83) introduced HB 490, a bill to legalize sports betting and establish an Alabama Gaming Commission to regulate the new form of gaming.

Additionally, Sen. Greg Albritton (R-22) also introduced a new sports betting plan to members of the Alabama media to legalize online sports betting, a state lottery, and allow for tribal casinos.

Under Gray’s plan, the state will establish the Alabama Gaming Commission, which would oversee the new form of gaming and issue sports betting licenses to operators. The state would tax sports betting at a rate of 10%, with tax revenues being distributed as such:

• 40% to the general fund
• 20% to the NIL trust fund
• 40% to the education trust fund

Albritton also revealed details of his Senate gaming legislation to members of the Alabama media. According to AL.com, Albritton’s legislation calls for the legalization of a state lottery, electronic gambling at several state sites, legal sports betting, and allows the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to negotiate a gaming compact for up to four tribal casinos in the state.

The legislation requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment during the Sept. 16, 2025 election. If approved by state lawmakers and voters, it would legalize the following:

• Sports betting
• Electronic gambling at former greyhound tracks in Jefferson, Macon, and Mobile Counties and at one bingo hall in each of Green, Houston, and Lowndes Counties
• A state lottery
• A requirement that a gaming compact be negotiated between the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the governor to allow for up to four casinos

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-4) reported on April 7, 2025, that neither of the bills had the votes to pass.