Published on: December 29, 2025, 09:03h.
Updated on: December 29, 2025, 09:03h.
- An Alabama Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor is championing gaming
- Rep. Phillip Ensler advocates for a state-operated lottery in Alabama
A candidate aiming to be the first Democrat elected as lieutenant governor in Alabama in 16 years is pushing for legislative approval of a lottery and possibly sports betting.
Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) stands out as a unique figure in Alabama’s legislature. He is the first Jewish lawmaker in over 40 years and one of the youngest elected officials at the State Capitol in Montgomery.
Having taken office in November 2022, Ensler is now contending for the state’s second-highest position. Encouraged to run by former U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Alabama), who is also a gubernatorial candidate, Ensler aims to redefine the lieutenant governor’s role.
In recent discussions with the Alabama Reflector and Alabama Political Reporter, Ensler expressed his intention to leverage the office as a “bully pulpit” to garner attention and influence public discourse. His agenda seeks to address pressing issues rather than getting bogged down by book bans, DEI initiatives, or even renaming the Gulf of Mexico. A significant focus would be on preventing Alabamians from crossing state lines to participate in lotteries.
Alabama Lottery Initiative
Alabama shares borders with Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi, each of which hosts a state-run lottery, with Florida and Georgia boasting some of the country’s most profitable lottery systems.
Ensler is advocating for Alabama’s lawmakers to pass measures that would permit a constitutional ballot referendum, enabling the state to gain the financial and community advantages that lotteries provide. He believes such funding could enhance financial support for educators and Medicaid.
“I hear from individuals across the state—Democrats, Republicans, people of all backgrounds—who think it’s absurd that we lack a state lottery,” Ensler shared with the Alabama Political Reporter. “People travel to neighboring states to buy lottery tickets, and we’re missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars that could be allocated for education or healthcare.”
In Louisiana, a state of similar population, the lottery has generated nearly $5 billion in revenue since its establishment in 1991, primarily benefiting food assistance initiatives.
Alabama is one of the few states—only 10 in total—that do not allow legal sports betting. Additionally, commercial casinos are banned in the state, although the Poarch Band of Creek Indians does operate Class II electronic bingo gaming at Wind Creek venues.
Challenges for Democrats
The state of Alabama is predominantly Republican, having voted for the GOP in every presidential election since 1976, and the legislature has been under Republican control since 2011.
Governor Kay Ivey (R) is term-limited, and the leading contender for the 2026 gubernatorial seat is U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). This prominent Republican, who defeated Jones in the 2020 elections, aims to return to Alabama to succeed Ivey. Notably, Tuberville previously served as the head football coach at Auburn University from 1999 to 2008.
Ivey won the 2022 general election with a significant 66.9% of the vote, while Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers garnered only 29.2%.
The 2026 midterms are anticipated to serve as a referendum on President Donald Trump and the Republican Party; however, Republican candidates for both governor and lieutenant governor are expected to be favored in Alabama.