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Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey told reporters Tuesday she "won't sign just any" gambling bill.
She agreed the state had to do something as they have plenty of black market betting and Alabama is getting none of the money.
“I’m going to meet with them today to see what they, changes they’ve proposed, but I won’t sign just any bill,” she of the House of Representatives, who passed the measure on February 15 but it awaits a committee action in the Senate.
If passed, the measure would create a state lottery and authorize up to seven casinos in the state and sports wagering.
One person who does not support the current legislation is Attorney General Steve Marshall.
Marshall's office in the past has prosecuted several gambling operators and claims now that these bills seek to reward these individuals.
"I have serious concerns about the gambling legislation introduced last week," Marshall said. "As the chief law enforcement officer of our state, I find it unconscionable that we would reward those who have flagrantly defied our criminal and civil laws, as well as the judgments entered against them by our state's highest court. While this bill will clearly benefit a handful of special interests, it is difficult for me to see how it is a solution to any of our state's most pressing problems."
As for Ivey, she has limited sway even with a veto, though she did say she supports a "good bill". It's not immediately clear if that includes mobile wagering as neighboring Mississippi prohibits remote sports betting while being among the first to authorize the activity at casinos.
A simple majority vote of the chambers can override any Ivey veto.
Marshall's office may have the final word, however, as he can deny any licensee. And by the looks of things, the Attorney General doesn't seem to have a high opinion of any potential operator.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
