

Alabama Legislators Grapple With Recent Changes To Betting Bill
Members of Alabama’s House of Representatives were none too pleased about the Senate’s changes to House Bills 151 and 152, which originally would’ve legalized sports betting and casino gaming in the state.
Stripped down versions of the bills aim to legalize a lottery in Alabama, but the revised legislation doesn’t include sports betting apps or casino gaming. The bills are heading to a conference committee after the House rejected the Senate’s major changes.
Rep. Chris Blackshear told the Alabama Reflector he’s hopeful a comprehensive gambling package can be reinstated.
“I think the comprehensive approach is the only way you’re ever going to address it completely,” Blackshear said. “And again, we did that in the House. Can we get back there to some type of compromise in conference? Hopefully, hopefully optimistic.”
Blackshear’s optimism might be unfounded, as there hasn’t been widespread support for a comprehensive betting bill in the Senate. Alabama’s legislative session lasts through May 20, but state legislators don’t meet daily, decreasing the slim chance a sports betting bill passes this year.