May 9 marked the end of the legislative session in the state of Alabama and, consequently, the failure of the highly controversial gambling bills, which the Senate did not pass. 

Alabama’s Gambling Bills Stalled After House Approval

Despite the gambling bills’ successful passage at the Alabama House on April 30, their positive progress was stopped short by the Senate not even reaching the Senate floor for a vote. 

To some extent, the bills’ demise was due to Sen. Greg Albritton last-minute change of mind. He supported the bills initially, however, he distanced himself from the legislation eventually when it reached the Senate, leaving the bills short of the necessary votes.

Notably the bills did not include the legalization of sports betting but facilitated the launch of a state education lottery, authorization of electronic games of chance, and regulation of traditional raffles and bingo.

The failed passage of the bills in the Senate means yet another setback for the already prolonged debate over gaming expansion in Alabama. The efforts of introducing comprehensive gambling legislation met serious resistance, which is very similar to the futile attempts to legalize gambling in Alabama in 1999.

House Lawmakers Decry Senate Inaction, Highlighting Lost Revenue Opportunities

Following the end of the Senate session, House lawmakers voiced their frustration regarding the Senate’s indecisiveness. Some of the proponents of the gambling bills such as Rep. Chris Blackshear expressed discontent as the failed passage of the legislation means yet another lost opportunity to secure additional revenue for critical sectors such as education and infrastructure, reported local media outlet Al.com.

Gov. Kay Ivey also echoed Blackshear’s sentiment and expressed disappointment over the Senate’s failure to act. She further added that every year the Senate keeps postponing gambling legislation.

Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, on the other hand, pointed out that Alabama residents will now keep going to neighboring states to buy lottery tickets and support the budgets of Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. 

On a recent visit to Alabama, Donald Trump Jr. also used the opportunity to criticize the Alabama Senate for not passing the gambling bills and allowing state residents to vote on the introduction of a state lottery. Trump Jr. questioned why state lawmakers decided to direct funds toward neighboring states instead of keeping them in Alabama. Gov. Kay advocated for the launch of a state lottery emphasizing the importance of letting residents decide.

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Representatives from mental health organizations voiced tentative support for proposed Alabama bills that could pave the way for widespread online sports betting, retail sports betting, casinos, and lotteries across the state.

Alabama Mental Health Advocates Call for Increased Funding Amid Gambling Expansion Debate

During a hearing before the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, Holly McCorkle of the Alabama Council for Behavioral Health and John Kilpatrick of Alabama Veterans Recovery Resources refrained from outright opposition to the bills. Instead, they emphasized the need for increased funding for mental health services in the state.

McCorkle emphasized the necessity of a new revenue stream for mental health, stating that they supported the proposal because mental health desperately needed it. 

Kilpatrick echoed her sentiments, highlighting the plight of veterans and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that a significant portion of the generated funds is allocated to mental health and veterans’ services.

The proposed bills, HB 151 and 152, mark a significant potential expansion of gambling in Alabama, a state currently without a lottery but home to Indian gaming operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians at three casinos.

If passed, the legislation would permit up to 10 brick-and-mortar casinos, including existing tribal locations, along with additional tribal and non-tribal gaming facilities. 

Advocates Highlight Consumer Protections, Critics Raise Societal Concerns

However, concerns have been raised regarding the current wording of the bills, particularly by Robbie McGhee, representing the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. McGhee expressed reservations about certain aspects of the legislation but affirmed the tribe’s overall support for expanding gaming.

FanDuel president Christian Genetski, an Alabama native, testified in favor of the proposals, highlighting the demand for legal wagering among Alabamians. Genetski emphasized the importance of consumer protections provided by the legal market, including robust responsible gambling measures.

Despite some vocal support, opposition to the bills also emerged during the hearing. Individuals with a history of compulsive gambling, as well as organizations such as the Public Policy Institute and the Alabama Farmers Federation (AFF), raised concerns about the potential societal impacts of expanded gambling.

Tim Richie, a former compulsive gambler, cautioned against the negative consequences of gambling addiction, while Preston Roberts of the AFF argued that the bills would primarily benefit gambling operators and weaken communities.

Previously, Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama addressed the 2024 legislative session, particularly supporting the current proposal for gambling expansion in the state. With the hearing concluded, the Economic Development and Tourism Committee is now poised to vote on the bills. The committee is scheduled to reconvene on February 14 to further deliberate on the issue.

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The 2024 legislative session in Alabama will focus on a number of issues, including election voting, education and gaming. State Gov. Kay Ivey issued her 2024 State of the State Address, highlighting a number of important initiatives that will be among the priorities for lawmakers this year. In her State of the State Address, she showed support for an initiative that “prohibits ballot harvesting” in Alabama.

Additionally. Gov. Ivey supported an education proposal and spoke about the importance of resolving the state’s issue with gambling. Speaking about a current proposal that paves the way for the expansion of gambling in Alabama, she expressed hope that lawmakers will review it further. What’s more, Gov. Ivey vowed to monitor the progress of the proposal.

Currently, a proposal sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear calls for the expansion of gambling in Alabama. In reality, to do this, two different bills are needed: one that would amend the state’s constitution and another to establish gambling activities.

“This year when Alabamians make their way to the ballot box, I hope they will be voting on another issue: Gaming. I believe the current proposal being contemplated by the Legislature is good for Alabama, and I will be carefully watching it move through the process,“

wrote Gov. Kay Ivey

The Bill Will Help in the Fight against Illegal Gambling

Per the current draft bill about the gambling expansion, the state would authorize the development of casino gambling at different locations, as well as the establishment of a lottery. The legalization of online sports betting is also part of the proposal.

The last time residents in Alabama voted on a gambling proposal was more than two decades ago. Since then, different proposals have not gained much traction. While the new bill will be reviewed by lawmakers, its future remains uncertain. This is because its success is contingent on a majority approval from the state’s Senate and House along with a green light from Alabama’s voters.

According to Gov. Ivey, the proposal will help in the fight against illegal gambling. At the same time, she said, the bill would help deliver regulated forms of gambling and this includes lottery as well. “Thank you to Speaker Ledbetter and his leadership team for their hard work on this. Now is the time for Alabama voters to have another say on this issue,” added Gov. Ivey.

The gambling proposal still has a long way ahead of it. Yet, the support from the Governor sends a clear signal to the lawmakers about the importance of the matter.

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Alabama lawmakers will convene on 6 February to deliberate on a comprehensive gaming bill that could usher in a new era for the state’s gambling landscape. The proposed legislation aims to introduce many of the most common types of gambling and institute the formation of an Alabama Gaming Commission, a brand-new regulatory body.

Gambling in Alabama Remains a Contentious Topic

Alabama’s constitution currently prohibits gambling, but there are 18 constitutional amendments allowing specific forms of gaming in certain regions. The legality of these provisions has long been a matter of contention among officials. However, unified gaming legislation should finally settle the matter and significantly expand available wagering options while introducing updated customer protection standards.

Governor Kay Ivey’s 2020 Study Group on Gambling Policy Report reveals that the potential windfall from gambling could reach up to $710 million annually. A lottery could generate $200-300 million, casino gaming $300-400 million, and sports betting $10 million. Revenue generated from taxes and fees under this bill would contribute to the Education Budget and the General Fund Budget.

Updated Regulations Should Create a Level Playing Field

Local news outlet 1819 News revealed that the upcoming bill likely intends to repeal all 18 constitutional amendments related to gambling. Additionally, the legislation aims to intensify efforts against illegal gaming, upgrading it from a misdemeanor to a felony with substantial financial penalties. Penalties for repeated offenses will also see an increase.

The bill proposes allowing Class III gaming in specific areas through an open-bidding process, replacing existing constitutional amendments. These areas include locations on federally recognized tribal lands operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Birmingham, Macon County, Greene County, Lowndes County, Houston County, Mobile County, and an undetermined county in Northeast Alabama.

Alabama Voters Will Have the Final Say

Each Class III gaming operation licensed by the commission may apply for one sports gaming license. The commission will issue all other sports gaming licenses not associated with a Class III gaming establishment with provisions for online sports betting. Other forms of online gaming will remain prohibited, but this measure still marks substantial progress.

Officials stress that this bill would not legalize gambling in Alabama without input from state voters but rather substantially reduce the number of gambling establishments due to the crackdown on illegal gaming. As a constitutional amendment, the bill would need a three-fifths majority in both legislative chambers, followed by a successful referendum, likely during the November general election.

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Alabama’s new legislative session is just around the corner, sparking theories about whether lawmakers will try to get gambling legalized. However, one lawmaker is focusing his efforts elsewhere, opting to instead push for a shutdown of illegal gambling operations.

For reference, gambling in Alabama is currently prohibited by the state’s constitution. This means that even if a bill to legalize gambling is approved, it would ultimately be up to the voters to decide whether Alabama gambling will become a reality or not.

As the legislative session approaches, many speculate that a gambling bill may be on the table.

In any case, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is just as concerned about the state’s illegal gambling problems. He recently commented on the matter, telling local news outlets that he would 100% support an intensification of the efforts against illegal gambling. Ledbetter added that a committee he formed to study gambling is gearing up to introduce a bill that targets illegal gambling in The Heart of Dixie.

While this bill is yet to become a reality, Ledbetter explained that illegal gambling is certainly something Alabama should take care of, considering the unlicensed operations’ apparent ties to organized crime.

Ledbetter teased that, if passed, the bill of his committee would “shut 95% of everything down.” He attributed last year’s inactivity to the many freshman lawmakers but added that the state really needs to do something to stop illegal gambling in 2024.

Ledbetter Is an Avid Supporter of Legal Gambling

For reference, Ledbetter has been an avid supporter of the regulation of gambling in Alabama. He has advocated for legalized gambling since 2021, arguing that many people would like the state to have a legal industry.

Ledbetter argued that many Alabamans already play in neighboring states or with offshore websites. Some of them even visit one of the state’s illegal gambling venues that Ledbetter is so hellbent on tearing down.

Because of that, the Speaker believes that the state is missing out on a lot of tax money that has the potential to benefit the local economy, bolster public education and help communities in need.

The lack of legal gambling, Ledbetter argues, channels more and more people toward illegal sites each year, exacerbating the issue.

The post Alabama Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Illegal Gambling appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Alabama Crimson Tide are 12-1 and are ranked fifth in the nation. Coached by legendary HC Nick Saban, the Tide are hoping to cash in on their good form which saw them win 11 games in a row.

Unfortunately for ‘Bama’s fans, their opponents in the 2024 Rose Bowl have been even more impressive – the Michigan Wolverines have won every single game in more than a year.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan Wolverines 2024 Rose Bowl Odds

1

9527 players claimed the offer this month

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California 
• Date: Monday, January 1, 2024
• Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: ESPN

Crimson Tide Is Back in the CFP After One-Year Hiatus

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2023 SEC Championship Game, ahead of which the Bulldogs were the No. 1 ranked college football team in the nation. Georgia entered the game as a six-point favorite, but Alabama ended up winning by three points.

Fast-forward to January 1 and the Crimson Tide are taking on the new No. 1 NCAAF team. Can they stage another upset? The 2024 Rose Bowl odds aren’t in their favor, but their confidence seems to be high.

All of their key men are in top shape, most notably, their quarterback Jalen Milroe, who’s turning into a real superstar of college football. He’s one of the best NCAAF QBs, but is he good enough to outsmart the nation’s best defense?

Wolverines to Prove They’re the Best

The Michigan Wolverines are the highest-ranked team in college football at the moment. They went 13-0 in the regular season, beating a couple of ranked teams along the way.

In their most recent game – the 2023 Big Ten Championship Game – the Wolverines beat the #20 Iowa Hawkeyes 26-0. Before that, they beat the #7 Ohio State Buckeyes 30-24.

The Wolverines are the nation’s 12^th-best offense in the league with a PPG of 36.7. Their quarterback JJ McCarthy has been sensational, especially in big games. Still, Michigan’s strongest weapon this season has been its defensive team.

With just 9.5 points conceded per game, the Wolverines are the best defense in the 2023-24 college football season.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan Wolverines 2024 Rose Bowl

Alabama’s offense is great, but even Milroe & Co. cannot do much against Michigan’s defense. The Wolverines haven’t conceded more than 30 points in more than a year, and we doubt the Crimson Tide will change that.

Instead, we think Michigan will keep them to just a touchdown or two. But what about the other way around? We think the Wolverines’ offensive team will do a fine job on January 1. As a result, Jim Harbaugh’s men should win the 2024 Rose Bowl, covering the spread along the way.

Pick: Michigan Wolverines -1.5

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Illegal gambling is a growing concern for Alabama. While lawmakers’ efforts to legalize gambling continue, valuable tax revenue is flowing to nearby states or worse, benefits the illegal gambling sector. State Rep. Andy Whitt is among the lawmakers who support changes to Alabama’s regulations, and he recently unveiled plans for a new bill that seeks to repeal the illegal gambling sector in the state.

As announced by WSFA, Whitt has been actively engaged in the issue and has so far visited 45 illegal gambling venues across the state together with law enforcement. He supported the idea for the development of a robust framework for legal gambling in Alabama.

Such legislation, Whitt said, needs to tackle illegal gambling. He confirmed his plans for a new bill that would result in “blanket penalties” for anyone involved in illegal gambling activities.

Moreover, Whitt spoke about the growing threat of the black market, explaining that illegal gambling boosts other criminal activities like drug use or violent crimes. “You name it, it’s probably there in those casinos. And we need to make sure that we work to get that cleaned up,” he said.

While the debate on gaming legalization continues, earlier this month, Whitt once again warned about the dangers illegal gaming operators pose. “When a person can walk into a convenience store that is only a few blocks from our State’s Capitol and purchase a scratch-off ticket, then yeah, we have a big problem,” he said at the time.

Still, it is yet to be confirmed when Whitt’s proposal will be up for debate. It is likely Alabama lawmakers to pick up this topic during the upcoming regular legislative season.

Legal Gambling to Bring Benefits to Alabama

Besides tax revenue flowing out of state, illegal gambling poses a threat for the customers as well. This is because black market operators are not required to comply with responsible gambling tools or even self-exclusion. As a result, people addicted to gambling can spend thousands of dollars or accumulate significant debt.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, another supporter of gambling legalization in Alabama, confirmed earlier this month that the regulated gambling sector can bring significant financial benefits. According to him, those proceeds can provide vital funding for communities as well as different public programs.

Ledbetter has been supporting the legalization of gambling for a few years. He previously confirmed that many residents of the state already participate in gambling, suggesting that a legal sector can also help protect gamblers from different criminal activities related to the illegal gaming sector.

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The 2023 SEC East champions Georgia Bulldogs are without a single loss in college football in almost exactly two years. Bookies think they’re going to prolong this run on December 2. They’re seen as five-point favorites against the champions of the SEC West, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In this Georgia vs. Alabama preview, we’re going to explain why that’s the case. We’re also going to examine whether bookies are right to think of the Bulldogs as the favorites.

#8 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #1 Georgia Bulldogs SEC Championship Odds

*Odds taken from Caesars Sportsbook on Monday, November 27.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
• Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: CBS

Georgia Bulldogs Going for Their 30^th Straight Win

The No. 1 ranked team in the 2023 NCAAF is 12-0 this season, but their impressive run goes beyond this season. This team is on a 29-game winning streak, which started after the loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 SEC Championship game.

The Bulldogs got their revenge for that loss last year. They destroyed the Crimson Tide 33-18 in January 2022 in the CFB Playoff National Championship. Their defense was brilliant in that game, scoring two pick six TDs.

Their defense is at least as equally amazing in the 2023 NCAAF season. With 16.5 points conceded per game, they’re the 8^th-best team in the nation.

Georgia’s offense is 8^th in the nation, with 38.8 points per game. Quarterback Carson Beck has been doing alright in his first NCAAF season as a starter, throwing for 22 TDs in 12 games. The Bulldogs’ offense has also been dangerous running the ball, with running backs Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton recording double-figure rushing TDs.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama’s sophomore Jalen Milroe is in good shape right now, completing more than 65% of his passes in the last three games. In those games, we also saw him throw for eight TDs in total.