Alabama House of Representatives leadership marked gambling a top legislative priority for the 2024 Regular Session that convened this week in Montgomery.
A comprehensive gambling bill is expected to be introduced in the Alabama House Feb. 8. The bill is said to expand gambling through the addition of a state lottery, sports betting, casino gambling and online betting.
A public hearing could be held in the House Tuesday, Feb. 13, or Wednesday, Feb. 14, with a vote expected by Thursday, Feb. 15. There is no timeline for when the Senate will consider the package.
Alabama Farmers Federation policy states: "We oppose gambling in all forms. Casino Gaming, State Lottery, Sports Betting, Electronic Gaming and Online Gambling."
“We encourage our members to contact their legislators today and ask them to vote ‘no’ on any effort to legalize gambling,” said Brian Hardin, the Federation's External Affairs Department Director. “Reaching out and remaining in contact should be a top priority for Federation members.”
Gov. Kay Ivey supported giving voters an opportunity to vote on gambling during her Feb. 6 State of the State address.
"The recent talks are a clear contrast to the conservative values of Alabama farmers who constitute the state’s largest grassroots organization," said Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts. "The Federation's membership has continued to affirm its stance on gambling year after year through its member-driven policy development process."
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