Tag: lottery
As Alabama Tries to Legalize Sports Betting, Advocates Point to Neighboring States’ Success
Increased tax revenues in states like Louisiana are one reason many pro-sports betting Alabamians say it’s time to catch up to neighbors in the Gulf South. Read more.
Lottery, Casino, Sports Betting Legislation Sent to House Committee
The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday received a Senate-passed gambling measure that had morphed from one entirely focused on a state lottery into an umbrella bill with the lottery, casinos and sports betting.
The bill got a first reading and was sent to the tourism committee. This is the twisted trail of a legislative effort to enhance state revenues without directly imposing new taxes. Read more.
More from the Legislature this week:
Broadband Expansion Bill Close to Final Vote
Bill Would Create Scholarships for Rural Teachers
Teacher Retirement Bill Advances
ADOC Reporting, Sexual Assault Victim Bills Advance, Grand Jury Bill Delayed
Bill Would Change State’s Grand Jury Secrecy Laws, Free Witnesses to Talk About Testimony
Senate Kills Lottery, Gambling Legislation
The Alabama Senate on Tuesday defeated a plan to start a lottery and allow casinos in the state by two votes. Twenty-one votes were required to approve the constitutional amendment, but the Senate vote was 19 to 13 in favor.
Gov. Kay Ivey said the defeat just meant more work needed to be done on a gambling proposal, and she still supported giving Alabamians a vote on whether they want a lottery and gaming.
“This issue is too important to not get it right,” Ivey said in a statement. “No doubt gambling is complex and challenging, but I remain committed to giving the people of Alabama the final say.” Read more.
Also in the Legislature
Bill to Limit Executive Branch Spending Advances
House Passes General Fund Budget that Increases Funding for State Agencies
Bill Stalled That Would Increase Penalties for Rioting
State Budgets, Legislative Authority, Gambling Bills in State House This Week
Lottery, Gambling Compact Bills Introduced in State House
MONTGOMERY — A new version of a lottery bill has been filed in the Alabama House with enough co-sponsors to easily get it through that chamber, if it makes it to a vote.
A different lottery bill filed recently in the Senate also sets up a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to allow table games at its casinos, including two new sites in Jefferson County and north Alabama. Both bills are constitutional amendments requiring voter approval. Read more.
Poll: Alabamians Want Lottery, Many Undecided on Board of Education Amendment
New polling shows that Alabamians overwhelmingly want a statewide lottery and a significant percentage are undecided on how to vote on the March 3 constitutional amendment to reorganize the state board of education. Read more.
Lottery Stumbles in House, Fate Uncertain
MONTGOMERY — A proposal for a statewide lottery is in jeopardy in the Alabama House of Representatives, with advocates saying they will try to overcome objections from opponents and bring the bill up for debate again.
Supporters tried to revive the bill during the evening after it appeared dead when a procedural vote failed earlier in the day. Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, who is carrying the bill in the House, said he thought he had enough votes to at least get the bill back on the floor, but he fell short by one vote. He said negotiations are continuing and he will try to bring the bill back to the floor before the end of the session. Read more.
Budgets, Education Reform Among Bills Pending in Final Stretch of Legislative Session
Alabama lawmakers this year have approved a statewide gas tax increase, told sheriffs they can’t keep money meant for feeding jail inmates and said they want a shot at the U.S. Supreme Court with the nation’s most restrictive abortion ban.
The Legislature has two to three weeks remaining in its 2019 session, and a lot of legislating is left to do. Still on the table are proposals for a lottery, the state’s budgets, education bills and medical marijuana, to name just the tip of the iceberg.
For a look at some of the major bills that are pending and what might get punted to a special session later this year, Read more.
Senator: ‘Rocky Road’ Ahead for Lottery Bill
The sponsor of legislation to create a paper lottery in Alabama says getting the bill to final passage may be difficult.
“It’s a rocky road between here and there,” Sen. Greg Albritton told Alabama Daily News.
The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee is expected to vote on Senate Bill 220 Wednesday afternoon. Read more.
Lottery Proposal Would Boost Turnout for Presidential, US Senate Primaries
A lottery proposal on the March 2020 primary ballot could increase Alabama’s voter participation in the presidential and U.S. Senate primaries.
“If this lottery bill is on the ballot on March the 3rd, you can expect another record-breaking turnout for a presidential primary,” Secretary of State John Merrill said this week.
“I think it certainly boosts turnout,” David Mowery, a political consultant in Montgomery said about a lottery. “But trying to figure out who it helps is interesting.” Read more.
Senate Passes Lottery Plan
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate on Thursday passed a constitutional amendment calling for a statewide vote on a lottery.
Senate Bill 220, sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, would put the question of establishing a lottery on the ballot in next March’s presidential primary, the nearest statewide election. The plan calls for a paper lottery and allows Alabama to participate in multi-state “Mega Millions” jackpots, among others.
The bill passed 21-12, which was the minimum vote total needed to secure Senate passage. The narrow vote came after more than three hours of intense floor debate and deliberation over amendments.
“I’m pleased, a little surprised and grateful it’s over,” Albritton said. “I came in fully anticipating this to be a very, very close vote, but we never had 21 votes in our head counts.
Read more.
