Alabama's legislative session drew to a close without the approval of a bill that would have brought the question of legalizing gambling to a public referendum. On the session's final day, the Senate failed to pass the bill, which had previously fallen short by just one vote.
The bill, endorsed by the House, proposed permitting lotteries, sports betting, and the establishment of up to ten casinos offering slot machines and table games. Conversely, the Senate supported a more stringent version that only included provisions for a lottery and historical horse racing.
Expressing disappointment, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, who backed the legislation, remarked to reporters about the bill's omission from the session's agenda. Republican Representative Chris Blackshear, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the potential benefits of gambling revenue for education, infrastructure, and other essential services.