Gambling

Who's Buying Influence in Alabama?

Out-of-state gambling corporations are pouring over $43 million into Alabama politics to push casino gambling and sports betting. A new report by former Congressman Mo Brooks exposes how this money is flowing—and what it could mean for our families, our communities, and our state.

CAPTION: This information in this report was compiled by former Congressman Mo Brooks and reflects data believed to be accurate to the best of his ability as of April 27, 2026.

CAPTION: Compiled by former Congressman Mo Brooks using data from the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. Information is believed accurate as of April 27, 2026; for the latest filings, visit AlabamaVotes.gov.

See How Legislators Voted in 2024

HB151 is the legislation that would give Alabamians the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to legalize gambling in the state. HB152 outlines the “nuts and bolts” of the gaming commission, licensure, taxation, etc. It allows for casinos, sports betting, and a lottery. FINAL OUTCOME: The House voted on the bills first and then they moved to the Senate. In the end, the Senate voted on a final bill (HB151) that had been substituted and gone through a reconciliation process that the House approved. It needed 21 votes in the Senate. The Senate sponsor, Sen. Albritton, could not stomach the changes to the original bill and ended up voting “NO”. There were only 20 “year” votes so the bill died. An Ironic ending.

"Lottery Only" Bill WILL Open Door to Vegas Style Casinos

Read Southeast Law Institute’s 1 Pager on How New “Lottery Only” Bill is NOT a “Lottery Only”.
Read Former Justice Glenn Murdock’s Memo: “Impact Of The Proposed Constitutional Amendment On The Opening Of New Indian Casinos Including In Birmingham, Huntsville And Baldwin County
Read “The Scriptures don’t say anything about gambling … but do they?” By Col John Eidsmoe

Don't Gamble With Alabama's Future (Les Bernal)

A FEW REASONS WHY WE OPPOSE GAMBLING

Gambling and lotteries prey upon the poor and most vulnerable.

Duke University study found that the poorest third of households buy more than half of all lottery tickets.
Buffalo University Survey showed the lowest fifth on the socioeconomic scale had the "highest rate of lottery gambling” (61 percent).
Lottery sales increase poverty rates. Studies conducted across multiple states showed that the majority of scratch-off tickets are purchased by those with below-average incomes; those who often struggle to buy basic necessities
Local lottery ticket sales rise with poverty. Researchers call this “desperation hypothesis”: States are making their most hopeless citizens addicted to gambling to pay for government services
The lottery can be termed a regressive tax because the state takes a greater percentage of income from those with lower incomes

Conclusion: It’s cruel that the majority of money being spent on the gambling will come from the limited resources of the poor all under the banner of voluntary entertainment. Legislators should focus on legislation that promotes job-friendly environments and fosters strong families. Those are things that lift people out of poverty.

2. It’s an irresponsible way to raise funds for state government.

The facts show that lottery revenues decrease over time. This is problematic as legislators will need to raise taxes to make up for the decrease.
Gambling actually sucks money out of the economy. An average $325 a year is wagered on lottery tickets for every adult in the United States
For every dollar raised for the state by a lottery an additional 52 cents must be taken in to pay the expenses of raising that dollar”.

Conclusion: The negatives that gambling brings to a state far outweigh the revenues gained. Legislators should rely on common-sense budget reforms and shrinking government rather than relying on gambling income.

3. Gambling hurts families.

HB151/HB152 will open the door to on-line gambling which can be played at home or on the go. Not only does this put children at risk but, “The medical and psychological communities have determined that electronic gaming – particularly gaming on smartphones, tablets or internet connected video games – is the “gateway drug” for creating new gambling addicts.
60% of those addicted to gambling will commit crimes.
20% of gambling addicts commit or attempt suicide
63% of gambling addicts are alcoholics
20% of addicted gamblers have filed for bankruptcy
50% will abuse spouses and children
20% of the homeless are gambling addicts
50% of gambling addicts will divorce
The average (gambling) debt is between $63,000 and $110,000
Recently, scientists and mental health professionals decided to classify problem gambling as a behavioral addiction, the first of its kind, putting it in a category of disorders that also includes substance abuse. The reason for this change comes from neuroscience research, which has shown that gambling addicts have a lot in common with drug and alcohol addicts, including changes in behavior and brain activity.

Conclusion: Gambling addiction ranks within the top 10 most common addictions. If a statewide lottery is allowed the state will have to deal with the severe and abundant social and financial problems that will necessarily come with it. Again, we believe the negatives far outweigh the revenue.

HELPFUL RESOURCE links:

• Resources | Stop Predatory Gambling
• Get The Support You Need to Quit Online Gambling.