The prospects for gambling reform in Alabama during the 2026 legislative session appear bleak, as state officials indicate that there isn’t sufficient backing for any proposals following the legislature’s recent meeting this week.
Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger expressed skepticism about gambling discussions this year. “At this moment, based on my instincts, I’d say it likely won’t be addressed this year,” Gudger noted, via AL.com.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter highlighted the absence of active proposals in the House and emphasized that legislation would need to begin in the Senate. “We certainly have nothing. It would need to come from the Senate first,” Ledbetter said, remarking that gambling had not emerged in his talks with Gudger.
Alabama stands as one of only five states in the U.S. without a lottery, and any potential legislation to establish a lottery or broaden gambling would necessitate a constitutional amendment. This amendment would require a two-thirds majority approval from both legislative chambers before being presented to the public statewide. The last attempt to pass a lottery referendum in 1999 failed, losing by a margin of 54% to 46%.
A comprehensive gambling initiative proposed by Ledbetter in 2024, which encompassed a lottery, casinos, and sports betting, was passed by the House but was one vote shy in the Senate. Senator Greg Albritton, a longstanding advocate for gambling, refrained from introducing legislation in 2025 due to lack of support and will not pursue it in 2026. He has indicated that the 2025 setback could postpone gambling reform for many years. Divisions among lawmakers also persist regarding the distribution of gambling tax revenue.
Outside the legislative sphere, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has intensified its focus on gambling, acquiring the Birmingham Race Course in 2024 and engaging the lobbying firm Fine Geddie.
Governor Kay Ivey has consistently endorsed the idea of allowing voters to make decisions regarding gambling. “While I’m not particularly in favor of gambling, I believe the people of Alabama should have the opportunity to make that decision,” Ivey expressed, referencing earlier legislative efforts. A gaming committee she assembled in 2020 predicted that a comprehensive gambling framework could yield up to $800 million annually.
With a gubernatorial election approaching in November and a new governor anticipated to take office in 2027, candidates are increasingly voicing their opinions on gambling issues. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville advocated for allowing voters to determine the issue. Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones argued that Alabama is “losing out on millions, even hundreds of millions of dollars,” and urged a vote on a lottery.
State Representative Phillip Ensler, who is campaigning for the lieutenant governor position, asserted that gambling revenues could be crucial for funding education and healthcare. “It’s absurd that we don’t have a state lottery,” Ensler pointed out, emphasizing that residents frequently travel across state lines to purchase lottery tickets.