As December 2024 comes to a close, Alabama stands as an island of restriction in a sea of growing sports betting legalization. While neighboring states rake in revenue and cater to public demand, Alabama’s resistance to change continues, despite legislative pushes that almost reached the finish line earlier this year.
In early 2024, the Alabama House of Representatives approved House Bill 151, a sweeping measure aimed at modernizing the state’s gambling framework. The proposal sought to legalize sports betting, casino gambling, and establish a state lottery through a constitutional amendment. It appeared to be a landmark moment. However, the bill’s journey in the Senate was a case study in political hesitance. The Senate Tourism Committee gutted the measure, leaving only the lottery provision intact — a watered-down version that couldn’t muster the votes to pass.
