The much-anticipated legislative debate in Alabama appears to have been reignited following the submission of two competing proposals to legalize sports betting ahead of the impending congressional deadline.Perhaps most notable was House Bill 490, filed by Rep. Jeremy Gray. This bill was referred to
The gambling and lottery bill in the Alabama State House was introduced and quickly shot down, making the latest version its quickest and most uneventful sequel to date.But unlike a campy horror flick that keeps coming back, the sponsor of this bill is convinced this issue has finally run its course
The Alabama Legislature has reached the halfway point of the 2025 session, and there is little speculation about the possible passage of a gambling bill.However, that does not mean conversations are not taking place behind the scenes, and according to Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scott
Nestled in Macon County is a secluded farm about 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Interstate 85. The farm offers a sense of peace and tranquility for the Gannon family, who lives there.But things weren’t always so peaceful, owner Ed Gannon explained, a fact largely due to the area’s cas
The 2025 legislative session started at noon today, and one of the first orders of business was for the Alabama Senate to elect a new leader.The senators elected Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, as president pro tem. The vote was 33-0.Gudger replaces Greg Reed of Jasper, who left the Senate to lead th
Prospects for bills addressing gambling in Alabama in the 2025 legislative session remain unclear even after legislators have had ongoing discussions among themselves for the past several months in the offseason.Lawmakers had protracted discussions about the provisions they would like to include as
As December 2024 comes to a close, Alabama stands as an island of restriction in a sea of growing sports betting legalization. While neighboring states rake in revenue and cater to public demand, Alabama’s resistance to change continues, despite legislative pushes that almost reached the finish line
A recent changing of the guard in Senate leadership likely doesn’t change the prospects for approval of a gambling and lottery package in the 2025 session, according to State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville).The final version of a gambling and lottery package passed the House but fell short by one vot
The City of Lipscomb will be able to make payroll this week, according to court records. The Alabama Attorney General’s Office froze Lipscomb’s assets last week through a temporary restraining order over what it calls illegal gambling in the city.This week, the AGO and the city attorney agreed to wo
Before the ping of the emailed press release announcing the sale of the Birmingham Racecourse had quieted, the speculation had already started.What does this mean for the future of gambling in Alabama? And what does it mean for the Birmingham Racecourse?The answer to both appears to be: Good things.
The original sponsors of last session’s comprehensive gambling bill told CBS 42 that the issue is not going away and it is very much still on the table.“It is here. It is here to stay,” said Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) about illegal gambling in the state. “And the only thing we can do in Alabama
By mid-morning on Monday, the people – hundreds of them – were lined up into the parking lot, waiting on the doors to open at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. By the afternoon, the reviews were unanimous – the newest casino in the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ portfolio was a hit, drawing rave reviews
State Senator Sam Givhan has called for stricter measures against illegal gambling in Alabama, suggesting that lawmakers need to make it a felony in order to effectively deter operators. Givhan's comments come amid ongoing discussions regarding the state’s gambling regulations and the prevalence of
State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) said tougher penalties should be in place against operators of illegal gambling if lawmakers want to prevent it from taking place in Alabama. Despite the nearly successful attempt to authorize certain forms of legal gambling while cracking down on illegal operati
A pre-filed bill for Alabama’s 2025 legislative session would increase penalties for owning an illegal gambling operation.Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Dozier) is one of many lawmakers wanting to crack down on illegal gambling. In Covington County, a convenience store owner was discovered selling scratch-
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