Published on: September 16, 2024, 12:06h.
Last updated on: September 16, 2024, 12:06h.
Alabama has strict gambling regulations, with no commercial casinos, racinos, iGaming, sports betting, or a state lottery. Proposed legislation aims to increase penalties for violations of these rules.
House Bill 41, introduced by State Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Covington), seeks harsher penalties for gambling-related crimes in Alabama.
The bill would declare electronic bingo games, skill games, historical horse racing (HHR) machines, and video lottery terminals illegal under the Alabama Code.
Individuals profiting from illegal gambling would face increased penalties, elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony. The latter carries a prison sentence of one to 10 years and a fine of up to $15,000. Current misdemeanor penalties for gambling offenses include up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine.
Subsequent gambling violations would result in Class B felony punishments, including two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000 or double the monetary gains from illegal gambling.
Gambling Referendum Falling Short
Earlier this year, Alabama lawmakers narrowly rejected a proposal to let voters decide on ending the ban on commercial gambling in the state.
A special conference committee recommended authorizing three tribal casinos with slots and table games, seven racinos with slots only, and initiating a state lottery. However, the referendum required three-fifths majority support in each legislative chamber and fell short by one vote in the Senate.
State Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) was among those who voted against the referendum due to concerns about tribal casino development. He supports legalizing casinos but was not in favor of limiting the Poach Band of Creek Indians from pursuing a commercial casino on non-sovereign land.
Rep. Hammett also opposed the gaming referendum in the House.
Prosecutors Push for Stricter Penalties
Covington County District Attorney Walt Merrell requested HB 41 to address the ineffectiveness of current penalties in deterring illegal gambling. Merrell believes that misdemeanor punishments are too lenient and do not deter potential violators.
Casino.org has previously reported on law enforcement raids targeting illegal gambling activities.
Recently, Alabama AG Steve Marshall revealed that illegal electronic bingo machines, initially under a restraining order, disappeared from a business in Selma. The unlawful gaming terminals were later found in Lipscomb, resulting in felony charges for some individuals. However, the Selma operators were only charged with misdemeanors as per current laws.