Alabama under its laws prohibits lotteries and most other forms of gambling. However, the discussion was on for the legalization of lotteries in the state.
That was stalled following the COVID-19 pandemic.
This time, the Study Group on Gambling Policy formed by Governor Kay Ivey has submitted its report. The Study Group which submitted its report on December 18, 2020, has stated that the current gambling legislation in the state is a patchwork that wastes money and resources.
The current legislation is more demanding on political, monetary and legal fronts. Therefore, it must be amended.
Additionally, as per AL.com, the report stated that the state could earn up to $300 million a year from a lottery, up to $400 million from casinos, and $10 million or more from sports betting. The report said gambling could create up to 19,000 jobs.
However, the legislators in Alabama would have to move Constitutional Amendment to legalize lottery or other forms of gambling. The matter also rests in the hand of voters who have the final say.
The Study Group also recommended a single regulatory authority over all gambling and provides recommendations for bringing uniformity in over all gambling legislation and regulation.