Alabama Gambling Faces Uncertain Future in 2025

The Alabama legislature will again contend with ongoing efforts to legalize gambling, including sports betting and a state lottery during the 2025 session. Despite support from several influential Senators, the political landscape suggests that any comprehensive gambling legislation will face significant hurdles. However, robust lobbying support means legalization attempts will continue.

The Senate Has More Pressing Priorities

Last year, the Alabama Legislature came agonizingly close to passing a comprehensive gambling bill. The House approved a plan that would have instituted a state lottery, casinos, and sports betting and created a regulatory commission. However, the Senate fell one vote short of the 21 needed for approval of this constitutional amendment.

Speaking for Alabama News, incoming Senate president pro tem Garlan Gudger, who will take on his duties on 4 February when the session begins, has stated that gambling reforms would not be on the radar for now. Gudger instead intends to focus on more pressing issues for Alabama, like crime and illegal migration. 

I’m going to focus on other issues. As of right now, I’m just letting (gambling) kind of be on the backburner.

Garlan Gudger

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter voiced the same sentiments as Gudger, noting that any pro-gambling initiatives would have to come from the Senate rather than the House. He was also skeptical that 2025 would bring significant changes to the status quo in the gambling sector and likewise focused on other issues.

Pro-Gambling Advocates Highlight Economic Benefits

Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, pro-gambling advocacy and lobbying efforts from businesses are gaining momentum. The Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama, a trade group representing over 350 companies, supports a campaign called “Give Alabama A Voice.” This movement seeks to convince lawmakers to put a lottery referendum before voters in November.

While pro-lottery groups argue that legalized gambling could bring in tens of millions of dollars for education and infrastructure, State Senator David Sessions remained unconvinced that such an approach could yield a reliable source of government revenue. Despite his concerns regarding gambling harm, he conceded that a well-thought-out bill could gain traction if it is in the State’s best interest.

If we send something to the people to vote on, it needs to be good for the state of Alabama and not just good for the gambling interest.

David Sessions

With leading gambling operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Fanatics spearheading lobbying efforts, legalized wagering in Alabama is likely only a matter of time. However, it is uncertain if the Senate will gather the political will to push through with such reforms in 2025. With at least one new bill reportedly in the making, advocates and opponents are ready for another contentious debate.