A new bill filed in Alabama proposes to relax the state’s strict anti-gambling laws, allowing a lottery, casinos, and sports betting.

Sen. Merika Coleman-Evans introduced SB257, which proposes giving voters the option to establish a state lottery, authorize in-person casino-style games, and in-person and online sports wagering.

A similar bill was introduced last year, but it was killed in committee just days after its introduction due to a lack of support. 

The new effort bill would establish a commission to license and regulate all gaming activities in the state. Currently, Alabama has a highly limited gambling industry, with only DFS legally approved, along with bingo at select tribal casinos. 

The bill also proposes authorizing the Governor to negotiate a Tribal-State gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. This would allow the tribe to expand into slots, table games, and develop full casino resorts. 

Alabama Missing Out On Legal Options

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Coleman-Evans, believes legalizing gambling could generate significant revenue for the state and allow lawmakers to avoid taxing citizens to raise funds. 

“At the end of the day, for me, this is about revenue,” she told local media, before arguing that gambling taxes could fund medical care and social services. 

“And it is our responsibility as lawmakers to do what we can do in order to provide those services. And so this is my contribution to trying to get this revenue here without putting a tax on the citizens of the state of Alabama,” she added.

Sportsbooks Back Push For Legal Betting

The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) is backing the push for legalizing sports betting in Alabama. The lobby group of the country’s top sportsbooks, which all offer esports gambling, claims that Alabamians are already wagering on sports in big numbers. 

Its website has a petition urging residents to contact legislators, “and demand online sports betting be put on the ballot.”

The SBA says that legalizing online sports betting could generate up to $90 million in annual tax revenue for Alabama.

Past Efforts Failed To Garner Support

In 2024, Alabama came close to legalizing some forms of gambling. The House approved similar legislation that would have allowed a lottery, sports betting, commercial, and full-scale tribal casinos. 

However, the Senate rejected the proposal and advocated legislation that approved only a lottery and tribal casinos. 

The House tried to negotiate and put forward a new proposal with no sports betting on the table, but this also failed by one vote in the Senate. 

Efforts last year failed to make any progress, but lawmakers are hopeful 2026 will be different. Rep. Phillip Ensler, who is running for lieutenant governor, says it is crazy that Alabama does not at least have a state lottery. 

Like Sen. Coleman-Evans, he said that revenue from legal gambling could fund quality healthcare and services for residents. 

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Tourism for consideration. Alabama joins a host of states pushing for expanded gambling options in the new legislative session. South Carolina will be the first state to have a hearing on the matter later this month.