Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh introduced a bill on Tuesday that would legalize the provision of lottery and casino gambling options on the territory of the state.
The legislator noted that the bill was compiled with the help of other Senators and that he hoped it would evolve even further.
Sen. Marsh pointed out that the Alabama Legislature has cut as much as 5,500 jobs and has managed to save about $1 billion for the General Fund budget as well as for education over the past five years. Yet, according to him, this is not enough to secure the state’s long-term financial resources.
Generally speaking, Sen. Marsh’s bill calls for three main things – the launch of a state lottery, the introduction of Class III gambling in the already established gaming venues on the territory of Alabama, and the signing of a gambling compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the state’s only federally recognized tribe.
Sen. Marsh also promised that if his proposal is passed into law, as many as 11,000 new jobs would be created and residents of Alabama would not have to be imposed higher taxes, in order for sufficient finances for the state to be secured.
According to initial predictions, the legalization of lottery and casino gambling would result in annual revenue of $400 million and an economic impact of about $1.3 billion.
Residents of Alabama annually spend millions of dollars on gambling in casinos, located in neighboring states. And as Sen. Marsh pointed out himself, that money is used to fund programs in those states.
William Bell, Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, is among the keen proponents of the casino and lottery bill. He commented that it would bring “economic vitality” to the entire state, if approved.
Sen. Marsh’s proposal is expected to be reviewed by a House committee next week. It should be voted in favor of before it advances to the full Senate. In addition, in order to be passed into law, it should be approved by three-fifths of all Alabama legislators and the majority of voters when and if a statewide vote is held.
Currently, gambling is only allowed within the premises of the state’s four racetrack venues, located in Mobile, Birmingham, Greene County, and Macon County. If Sen. Marsh’s bill gets the necessary approval, the casinos would be established at the aforementioned four gaming venues.
The state lottery and casino industry is to be regulated by an Alabama Lottery and Gaming Commission.
