Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman announced plans to introduce a bill next week that would let residents decide whether gambling should be legalized in the state. The legislation would place a question on the ballot asking voters if they support creating a gambling framework in Alabama.
“Is this something that you want to do — yes or no?”said Coleman, D-Birmingham.
The proposed bill would authorize a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment, allowing the governor to establish a gambling commission and giving lawmakers authority to draft regulations for a lottery, gaming, and sports betting.
“The devil is in the details, and we’ve gotten caught up by them,” Coleman said. “This bill simply gives us the ability to come back and actually establish gaming in the state of Alabama. It’s not just the lottery, it’s gaming, it’s sports betting, it’s all of the stuff that folks are talking about.”
Alabama is one of only five U.S. states without a lottery, along with Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Sports betting is legal in 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Coleman emphasized voters want a say, noting many travel to neighboring states for lottery tickets and other gambling options.
Past Attempts and Legislative Hurdles
In 2024, a comprehensive gambling bill passed the House with 70 votes but failed in the Senate by a single vote. That legislation included a state lottery, casinos, sports betting, a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and the creation of a gambling commission to regulate and tax gaming activities.
State Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, who previously sponsored gambling bills, acknowledged timing challenges. “I think we missed the board,” he said in December. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a gubernatorial candidate, also indicated voters should have a voice in deciding on gambling.
Alabama’s constitution prohibits lotteries, so any effort to legalize one or permit sports betting requires a constitutional amendment. The amendment must receive three-fifths approval from both chambers—21 of 35 senators and 63 of 105 representatives—before it can be placed on the ballot. Residents have not voted on gambling since 1999, when a lottery initiative was rejected 54% to 46%.
Budget Pressures and Revenue Opportunities
Coleman pointed to looming budget shortfalls as a key reason to revisit gambling legislation. “We have some major deficits coming at us,” she said. “And we’re going to have to figure out where in the world this revenue will come from — ‘27 is going to be hard, but ‘28 is going to be doggone near impossible if we don’t have some type of new revenue.”
She also noted the potential of online betting. “The online betting pot is huge, and we’re missing out on all of that revenue.” Five years ago, Gov. Kay Ivey appointed a study commission that concluded Alabama could benefit financially from legalized gambling. Coleman stressed the bill would allow the state to explore all forms of gaming, including lottery, sports betting, and other opportunities.
By giving voters the chance to answer the long-standing question of whether Alabama should expand gambling, the bill aims to restart a debate that has remained unresolved for decades.
Source:
“Bill to let Alabamians vote on whether they want lottery, sports betting coming soon, senator says”, al.com, January 30, 2026
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