The Alabama House Thursday approved a comprehensive gambling expansion package that would legalize in-person and online sports betting, commercial casinos, and create a retail state lottery.
The legislation, which was read in the House for the first time less than a week ago, unanimously passed the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Wednesday and was among the first up for discussion on the House floor Thursday.
House Bill 151, the constitutional amendment that would send the ultimate decision to the voters, passed the House, 70-32, before a long debate about HB 152, the enabling legislation, ensued. That bill eventually passed, 67-31.
The package would allow for up to 10 brick-and-mortar casino licenses, with mobile betting apps tethered to casinos. There are currently three casinos in Alabama owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that could be licensed for sportsbooks, and the bill allows for seven new commercial casinos in specific locations, including one off-reservation tribal casino. Betting on professional and college sports, as well as esports and video game events, would be allowed.