No Interest So Far in Alabama Sports Betting as Session Nears End

• A bill proposing an amendment to the Alabama state constitution to legalize sports betting, casino, and lottery has minimal interest
• Sen. Merika Coleman’s (D-19) legislation was introduced in early February and has not yet had a committee hearing
• Alabama’s legislation session ends on March 27

Alabama sports betting is inching towards yet another failure as the state’s legislative session marches towards its final day.

Sen. Merika Coleman’s (D-19) bill, SB 257, to legalize casinos, Alabama sports betting, and a state lottery, has yet to receive a hearing in the Senate Tourism Committee after being introduced in early February.

Alabama will likely not take any steps to legalize sports betting in the Yellowhammer State, as the legislative session will end on Friday, March 27 and there is no current momentum for legalization this year.

No Momentum for Sports Betting Bill

Coleman’s legislation, which has to be approved by a three-fifth majority in both the House and Senate, would approve a constitutional amendment question to appear on the state’s November general election ballot. If approved by state voters, Alabama will establish a state lottery, authorize casinos, and legalize in-person and online sports betting.

However, the bill has yet to receive a hearing in the Senate Tourism Committee. It must first be approved by the committee before being moved forward to the Senate floor for potential discussion and a vote.

With just 16 days left in the state session, and no bill hearings scheduled in the committee, its chances for legalization are fading fast.

Calling for Gaming Approval

If approved by state voters, the constitutional amendment calls for the following gaming activities to be legal:

• An official state lottery
• Casino-style games played only in person on the premises of a licensed gaming establishment
• Sports wagering activities conducted in person or through the internet
• Any other kind of gaming activity, if approved by a vote of three-fifths of all members in the House and Senate

Additionally, the legislation allows for the Alabama governor to negotiate a tribal-state compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for the operation of class III games. Class III games, as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, are card games such as baccarat, blackjack, and pai gow, plus casino games such as roulette, craps, and keno. They also include slots machines, sports betting, and parimutuel wagering.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operate Alabama’s only land-based casinos in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka. The Wind Creek Casinos are currently only classified for Class II games, which include bingo and non-banked card games.

Not a New Ending

If the bill fails in 2026, it will be a typical ending for Alabama sports betting. State lawmakers have discussed sports betting legalization over the last few sessions, with all failing to cross the finish line.

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) 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.

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