Legislation for a lottery and casinos in the state of Alabama may have fallen by the wayside, but state representatives are still hopeful that Alabamians will be able to vote on the matter in 2022 despite the failure of this year’s proposal.
The opportunity for citizens in the Yellowhammer State to vote on the issue of gambling for the first time since 1999 perished on Monday when a legislative package to let voters decide on a plan for a lottery and nine casinos stalled in the state’s House of Representatives. The bill, however, did successfully pass through the state’s Senate.
If the legislation had successfully navigated through the state’s House of Representatives earlier this week, the constitutional amendment would have gone on the ballot in November 2022.
Despite the recent failure of Alabama’s gambling bill, citizens of the state may still be able to vote on the issue in 2022 according to House Speaker Mac McCutcheon and Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield.
Lawmakers could pass a bill during the 2022 regular session, which starts in January, or during a special session later this year if Governor Kay Ivey calls one.
McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, quoted by al.com, said: “This issue, when it comes to the people of Alabama, is important enough for the Legislature to continue to work on. And we’re going to continue to work on that legislation and continue to find common ground and come up with something that we could possibly come into this chamber and pass.”
Alabama is one of five states in the US without a state lottery. As previously mentioned, citizens of the state last voted on the issue of gambling in 1999, rejecting a lottery proposed by then-Governor Don Siegelman.
Scofield, R-Guntersville, added: “I do think that the people of Alabama without a doubt want to vote on a lottery. I think casinos are a possibility. But again, it takes multiple years to get the right deal and get input from people. The ability to pass something that large and something that’s going to change our state in a big way is going to take time.”
Led by Senator Del Marsh, R-Anniston, the original legislation included a state lottery to fund college scholarships and nine casinos located primarily at existing state dog tracks and sites owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
That bill faced opposition from a mix of Republicans against legalised gambling and lawmakers claiming the bill had already decided winners and losers by naming casino locations. Some also insisted it is unfair to exclude existing electronic bingo locations in Greene and Lowndes counties operating under current constitutional amendments.
The Legislative Services Agency estimated the plan would raise $500m to $700m a year.
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, is optimistic that work on an agreement will continue.
He said: “We need to take our time and get it right. So, we’re in no rush. And I think as long as the governor has that appetite to keep it on the table, we will get it right.”
