- Casino
- By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- By State
- Slots
- Poker
- Sports
- Esports
January 3, 2024
3 min read
Battle against Illegal Gambling in Alabama to Gain Momentum
Efforts of lawmakers against illegal gambling are likely to continue during the new regular session
Illegal gambling is once again in the sights of lawmakers in Alabama. With illegal gambling running rampant across the state, lawmakers identified the need for robust and effective legislation that would repeal illegal gambling. Such efforts are likely to resume during the new regular session of the legislators. Yet nothing is certain considering that successful efforts against illegal gambling would require tight collaboration between state and local authorities, as well as the effective implementation of the state’s anti-gambling laws.
Seeking to introduce an effective proposal against illegal gambling, Alabama created an ad hoc committee last summer. The committee consists of nine members of the House and was assembled in an effort to analyze the gambling sector in the state. Ultimately, the committee is expected to present a proposal with changes to the anti-gambling rules.
Rep. Andy Whitt, one of the members of the committee, who was interviewed by 1819 News, said that there are approximately 500 gaming facilities across the state’s 67 counties. Upon approaching the sheriffs of those counties with a question of whether or not there are gaming activities, he received only several responses. Whitt spoke about the importance of repealing illegal gambling. He explained: “My number one goal has been and always has been we’ve got to shut down these illegal gaming and out-of-state entities that are coming in.”
The State Needs Effective Enforcement of Its Anti-gambling Laws
The current laws in Alabama prohibit most forms of gambling. Yet, according to Whitt, there are nearly 20 constitutional amendments and some district attorneys and sheriffs read and enforce the laws differently. “It looks a lot like prohibition, it’s the Wild West in Alabama in gaming,” he explained.
Attorney General Steve Marshall shared the views of Whitt, explaining that not all officials across the state enforce the laws the same way. According to him, the effective repeal of illegal gambling and enforcement of the state’s anti-gambling laws demand a close collaboration between local and state authorities.
“Enforcement of Alabama’s anti-gambling laws requires a partnership between state and local officials.“
Attorney General Steve Marshall
Marshall said that counties that have established such a bond between the authorities fight against gambling effectively. He also supported the idea of having strong leaders in different counties, an effort that is likely going to positively impact the enforcement of the anti-gaming laws.
Besides effective collaboration, according to Whitt, the creation of a state gaming commission is needed in order for the state to cope with its gambling problem. Such a commission would be able to enforce effectively the new laws that are potentially going to be introduced. At the same time, Whitt highlighted the importance of increasing penalties for illegal gambling, an effort that may serve as a deterrent.
Jerome brings a wealth of journalistic experience within the iGaming sector. His interest in the industry began after graduating from college, where he regularly participated in local poker tournaments. This exposure led him to the growing popularity of online poker and casino rooms. Jerome now channels all the knowledge he's accrued to fuel his passion for journalism, providing our team with the latest scoops online.
Must Read
Legal
April 11, 2025
Aristocrat Pressures Light & Wonder over Evidence Access
Legal
April 10, 2025
EU Lawsuit Marks Pivotal Moment for Player Refund Claims
More Articles
Industry
April 16, 2025
Penn Bolsters ESPN and ESPN BET Synergies with Mint Club
Blockchain
April 16, 2025
Crypto Gaming Struggles to Onboard New Users
Industry
April 16, 2025
Tennessee SWC Asks CFTC to Ban Sports Event Contracts
Industry
April 16, 2025
‘Tesla Terrorist’ Pleads Not Guilty to Litany of Charges
Casino
April 16, 2025
Jake’s 58 Casino Warns About Online Gambling Scam
Casino
April 16, 2025
Lucky Couple Hits $4.2M Megabucks Jackpot at Pechanga
Sports
April 16, 2025
North Carolina Could Double the Online Sports Betting Tax
Casino
April 16, 2025
Las Vegas Sands Faces Challenges Despite Analyst Optimism
7 Comments
They need to open the Lottery here in Alabama. It would create a large revenue for the state. Plus keep the money here instead of going to Mississippi.
If these dumb old white people with Confederate mindsets would leave office and inject younger progressive minded people in office the state would flourish. They are focusing on gambling when it should be 21st century economic growth, education and health care for the citizens of Alabama. Since they are so gunho over gambling then a law should be pass to repel any taxes on winnings from gambling or lottery winnings from outside of Alabama.
Gambling should be legal all over the state of Alabama. If it’s OK for Creek, then it should be legal for the others. We are behind in the times.
This ridiculous these gambling places are not threatening nor bringing crime rates up if anything it should be bringing them down it gives something for people to do of all ages elderly in their 20s 30s 70s I frequently go to these places and.ne er have i sen any violence only people having something to do in Alabama where there’s really not a lot to do my opinion the reason politicians don’t want them here is because they’re being paid not to have them from other states point being dog track opens should these establishments GAMBLING IS GAMBLING
Alabama needs to wake up, even if they don’t want Gambling in the state of Alabama, people still going to go to other states, so who lose Alabama, so it doesn’t matter all Alabama know how to do is pay taxes, we are 35 years behind
The state of Alabama needs younger Legislators in office not old and stupid they to pass the Lottery for Education and tax the casinos for Infrastructure and roads and other benefits and let the people of Alabama be a part of what’s going on on this Jim crow state
The gambling laws are so stupid, stock market is gambling, people all over the country bet on every single sports game there is, if people want to have fun and risk their money on bingo, cards whatever, the government should just keep their nose out of it.