Published on: April 22, 2026, 01:53h.
Updated on: April 22, 2026, 01:53h.
- A candidate for the Alabama State Senate pledges to oppose all gambling initiatives.
- Terry Waters will challenge incumbent Greg Albritton in the upcoming May primary.
- Albritton has introduced multiple gaming-related proposals throughout his tenure in the Alabama Senate.
The Alabama Legislature has officially closed for the year 2026, once again resulting in the rejection of any legislation aimed at introducing new gambling options in the state.
Senator Greg Albritton (R-District 22) has been representing Alabama in the Senate since November 2014.
During his legislative career, Albritton has consistently advocated for various gaming proposals, such as establishing a state lottery, legalizing sports betting, and commercial casinos, as well as pursuing a Class III compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. His district includes the Wind Creek tribal casinos located in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka.
Due to their classification as Class I and II tribal casinos under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Wind Creek locations are limited and cannot offer traditional slot machines or live dealer games, instead providing electronic bingo alternatives.
In 2025, Albritton acknowledged the improbability of the Alabama Legislature supporting any gambling initiatives in the near future. Consequently, he decided against submitting a gaming proposal in 2026 for the first time in years. However, there could be additional factors influencing this decision.
Opponent’s Anti-Gambling Commitment
Albritton is due for reelection this coming November. His contender in the May Republican Primary, which is expected to play a key role in the general election, is newcomer Terry Waters. A veteran, farmer, and small business owner, Waters stands strongly against gambling.
A core part of Waters’ campaign, as highlighted on his website, is his pledge to vote ‘no’ on any proposed gambling legislation.
“I am firmly opposed to gambling. That stance is both clear and resolute,” stated Waters.
“I don’t believe Montgomery will ever manage gambling correctly. Every time it’s proposed to voters, it comes with hidden agendas and favoritism towards special interests. Such legislation tends to benefit political insiders rather than families and local communities. I am convinced that gambling is not the right path for Alabama,” Waters elaborated.
Waters’ firm opposition to gambling may have encouraged Albritton to withdraw from pursuing a gaming bill this year, providing him the opportunity to assure constituents who are against gambling that it’s no longer a priority for him.
Waters acknowledges that the Poarch Creek Indians effectively manage local casinos and keep gaming revenues within the state.
Do Alabamians Support Gambling?
Recent surveys indicate that a significant portion of Alabamians wish to have a say in the establishment of a lottery or other gambling options. Nevertheless, religious groups in Alabama wield considerable influence in the Montgomery political arena.
Pew Research Center ranks Alabama as the 8th most religious state, with over half of the population indicating that “religion plays a crucial role in their lives.”