Governor Kay Ivey has Clarified Her Stance on Alabama Sports Betting

Governor Kay Ivey has not shied away from commenting on Alabama sports betting legalization in the past. While her personal stance has varied over time, she has held a consistent position on the matter in recent years. 

Of course, her comments on sports betting in Alabama are routinely portrayed as outright support for its legalization. That is not necessarily the case. And she clarified her position even further when this year’s state legislature meetings first began: If it were up to her, voters would decide the fate of sports betting in The Crimson State.

“My position on gambling remains the same as it has for years,” she explained to reporters (via AL.com). “And y’all know what that is. I just want the people to have a vote.”

This is different from declaring flat-out support for Alabama sports betting. At the same time, it does convey more of an openness on the matter than has been displayed by many other officials.

That isn’t going to change, either. Though the last attempt to legalize sports betting in The Crimson State gained plenty of traction, this year’s attempt has already fallen flat. 

Alabama Sports Betting Talks Won’t Be Progressing in 2025

The most recent Alabama sports betting bill was structured similarly to the previous one. It did not seek to capitalize on the increased popularity of online sports betting in the United States, but it did attempt to legalize retail sports wagering, as well as an expanded casino industry. 

However, it became clear that the initiative would not go anywhere. As Mike Cason reported at the time:

“The leader of the Alabama Senate said Thursday he does not think a lottery, electronic gambling and sports betting proposal unveiled by a senator earlier in the day has a chance to pass. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, released a statement saying the plan by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, is short on support and short on time. ‘With 12 meeting days remaining in the session, both budgets still awaiting approval, and other important bills and measures demanding focus and attention, the comprehensive gaming bill released today is simply too little, too late, and has too few votes to pass,’ Gudger said…Albritton has said for several weeks he was trying to round up votes for his plan but was coming up short.”

True to Senator Gudger’s sentiments, the bill was effectively dead on arrival. There is no chance of reviving it, either—not this year, anyway. Lawmakers adjourned for the season on May 19. 

Experts believe the push for Alabama sports betting legalization will resume in earnest next year. Comments like Governor Ivey’s prove as much. There may not be clear support for legalization inside Congress, but enough stakeholders believe voters deserve the right to choose that the issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Heck, many doubted legalization of sports betting would crack Alabama’s agenda at all this year. That it ended up doing so speaks volumes, even if it ultimately flopped.

What Will It Take for Alabama Voters to Get Their Say?

Of course, for Alabama voters to determine the fate of sports betting, they need an initiative to make it through the House and Senate, and then appear on a general election ballot. That’s a tall order when you consider the circumstances.

Indeed, this year’s failure does not technically set back potential timelines. The next general election isn’t until November 2026. Policymakers can plausibly approve a bill at the start of next year, and then have it on the fall 2026 ballot.

Still, the bar for approval is incredibly high. A constitutional amendment is required to legalize sports betting in The Crimson State. And for that to happen, you need a boatload of support. 

It probably won’t take much to generate the necessary backing from the House of Representatives. They have approved Alabama online sports betting proposals in the past. A handful of members have also said the future of sports wagering effectively comes down to the Senate.

To that end, as Cason notes, “it takes 21 votes in the 34-member Senate (there is one vacancy) to approve a constitutional amendment, which is needed for a gambling bill.” This year’s push never came close to getting the required 60-plus percent approval rating. And it remains to be seen whether next year will be any different.

The Debate Over Casino Gaming in Alabama Could Continue to Delay Sports Betting

While lawmakers have individual issues with the legalization of Alabama sports betting, the future of casino gaming in The Crimson State may force it to take a back seat. 

Officials have grappled over basically every element of Alabama casino gaming expansion. From how it can be offered to who’s allowed to offer it, there isn’t anything resembling a clear consensus. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which operates casino resorts on multiple tribal properties has repeatedly expressed light frustration over the enduring divide. 

These feelings are exacerbated by the fact that the tribe keeps saying they are willing to concede certain things. Their representatives appear to understand that no measure will be perfect, or get everyone involved in absolutely everything they want.

This casino debate bleeds into the sports betting discussion. Alabama’s initiatives tend to address both casino gaming and sports betting, in addition to a state lottery, all at once. So, as things currently stand, The Crimson State will need the House and Senate to align on a multitude of gaming issues for sports betting to have a fighting chance in 2026. 

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