Alabama Casino, Lottery Bill Debate Will Have To Wait Two Weeks
- Alabama lawmakers delay debate over a new gambling bill.
- Bill representative Del Marsh wants to work out the final details for the bill.
- Marsh believes the bill will pass, contending he already has the 21 votes needed in the Alabama Senate.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A bill that lawmakers in the Alabama Senate are working to push in order to launch legal casino gambling and a local lottery will have to wait as the planned debate has been delayed two weeks.
The bill's main sponsor, Republican Senator Del Marsh decided to delay the bill, as he wishes to work out the final details before presenting it to the Senate.
Senator Marsh expresses that the bill will pass regardless, contending that he has the 21 votes needed to pass in the 35-member Senate.
Should his efforts become fruitful, Alabama voters will be able to have a say in whether or not there will be a constitutional amendment to allow for these types of legal gambling activities.
Alabama Gambling In Coming
This is not the first time a legal Alabama gambling bill has been presented. And since all past bills have failed, it is understandable why Sen. Marsh would want to iron out the final details.
“There is an overwhelming appetite for the people to address this issue and vote on it,” said Marsh. “I do believe we’ll be getting to the floor in a couple of weeks."
The bill, SB 214 as currently constructed will establish a state lottery and launch five casino operations in Alabama. The four existing dog tracks and an additional fifth site will be the casino locales.
One of the reasons for the delay is the request from smaller operators to be included in the bill, allowing for more casinos to launch.
Marsh wishes to offer two more casino options in Lowndes and Houston counties, giving operators the chance to apply for licenses in these areas. This would bring the total casino operations to 7.
“It opens up two more additional congressional districts and therefore two more opportunities for others to come forward and make a presentation to the (gaming) commission and have consideration,” said Marsh.
The optimism for the bill passing comes from the support Marsh has garnered, not only in the senate but also support from Governor Kay Ivey.
Alabama is working to launch its legal gambling market in order to benefit from the extra revenue from casino games.
Should this bill pass, then the next step will be the House of Representatives. The governor being in support of the bill means that the House should be the final hurdle.