Alabama Bill Seeks Constitutional Amendment to Expand Gambling

Alabama legislators introduced Senate Bill 257 SB257 proposing a constitutional revision to liberalise gambling laws statewide.

The bill proposes the repeal and replacement of section 65 from the 2022 Alabama Constitution. This proposal permits a lottery, casino gaming, and sports wagering across Alabama. Lawmakers introduced the measure for first reading on 3 February. If enacted, SB257 authorises the legislature to create a state official lottery. The bill permits casino-style games through physical locations only. It also authorises sports betting through online systems and physical locations. SB257 forms a statewide gaming commission under the executive branch structure. The legislature sets commission membership, powers, and duties through general law.

The proposal includes a law enforcement division within the commission framework. That division supervises gaming operations and halts unlawful gambling activity statewide. The amendment limits the local authority regarding gambling policy decisions. After ratification, future amendments affecting partial regions and gaming become invalid. The limitation covers lotteries, casino games, sports wagering, raffles, and bingo activities. Local bingo amendments remain valid without repeal or replacement.

SB257 to Allow Expanded Tribal Gaming

SB257 empowers the governor to negotiate a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The compact enables Class III gaming and sports wagering on federally designated tribal lands. The tribe currently operates under a Class II licence. This licence allows bingo-style gaming and electronic machines. Any negotiated compact requires filing with the Secretary of State. Authorities must forward the compact to the US Secretary of the Interior. Federal law demands review and approval before implementation. The proposal removes state immunity against federal court lawsuits concerning the compact. This applies only if the tribe agrees to federal jurisdiction. Once approved by lawmakers, voters review the amendment through a ballot.

The amendment becomes law following majority approval during the election. Election procedures follow constitutional rules for amendment adoption. Alabama shows a record of unsuccessful gambling and sports betting. Constitutional limits, political opposition, and voter resistance blocked progress. The previous effort before SB257 emerged during the 2024 legislative actions. Lawmakers presented bills and a constitutional amendment for lottery, casinos, and sports betting. Two legislative measures carried the proposal. The attempt failed due to a lack of enough legislative backing. No gambling legalisation effort appeared during 2025.