Summary
- HB 501 and 502 would allow paper-based lottery gaming.
- Powerball and Mega Millions are included, but zero electronic games.
- Proceeds would provide bonuses for retired school employees and children’s education.
Yesterday, a House committee decided to approve two bills set to create a lottery in Alabama. The focus of the proceeds is for education in the state.
Sponsored by Representative Chip Brown, the bills are a response to measures in the Senate created by Senator Greg Albritton. The Senate proposal has stalled somewhat due to a casino gaming issue, and which facilities will be allowed to function.
A Long Path Ahead It Seems
While the legislation is now up for full House consideration, it still has a long road ahead. No measure connected to a lottery or gambling has made it out of Legislature in more than two decades. The same issue is at play, the fight between dog tracks and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. There is also the conservative nature of republicans to consider.
HB 501 and 502 set up the state to offer a paper lottery, including Mega Millions and Powerball games. The measure does not allow for electronic gaming. In typical Alabama fashion, the state would lag behind its neighbors by not providing a more updated version of lottery gaming.
Funds from the lottery would be directed to scholarship programs. Funds would also be allocated to private and public agricultural education, bonuses for retired school employees, and provide services for problem gambling needs.
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Does It Stand a Chance?
If Legislature is able to pass the lottery bill into law, it would still need to be approved by the voters. It’s a long shot that the measure makes it through and then voters still have to say yes in November to bring lottery gaming to life in Alabama.
The legislation in the House does not include casino gambling or sports betting. Consideration for those two activities is being conducted in the Senate, which is one reason why the measure has stalled. Members of the Senate cannot agree as to who should be involved and how gambling should be operated in the state.
Out of the 50 states in the US, Alabama is one of only five that does not offer lottery gaming. Others include Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. The people of Alabama want a lottery and have been playing it for years in nearby states. It seems that there should be enough support to approve the option, if voters do get a say.
There are few days left in the current session so unless a special session is called, lawmakers will need to decide quickly on the matter, which could prove to problematic when it comes to pushing the legislation through.
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