Sports Betting in Alabama Unlikely as AG Opposes Legislation
The state of Alabama is college football betting heaven but the activity is unlikely to be regulated any time soon.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed "serious concerns" about the proposed gambling legislation currently being deliberated by the Alabama House of Representatives, claiming it is likely to only help a few special interest groups.
Last week, lawmakers attempted for a second straight year to legalize casino gaming, sports betting and a state lottery in Alabama.
Two bills sponsored by State Reps. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City) and Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) have been in circulation.
Legislation calls for the creation of the Alabama Gaming Commission (AGC).
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."
Sports Betting in Hawaii?
The Hawaii House of Representatives Committee on Economic Development met last Wednesday and passed (on a divided vote) House Bill 2765, which provides for the legalization and regulation of online sports betting in the island state.
The state is one of just two that do not even offer a lottery, the other being Utah. Hawaii is widely considered to be the second most anti-gambling state in the US. There are no casinos and, in fact, no gambling is permitted here with the exception of some charity-related options.
Needless-to-say, opposition to both bills currently circulating has begun to emerge.
Ohio Loses Money on Sports Betting
Sports betting kiosks in the Buckeye State were all the rage. Where else in the US could you bet in bars, at gas stations, in grocery stores and even bowling alleys?
But the kiosks reportedly lost money for the state in their first year of operating.
From Kiosk Marketplace:
"While the state issued sports betting licenses for more than 15,000 businesses, the Ohio Lottery, which governs sports betting kiosks at bars, restaurants and grocery stores, took in $303,589 against costs of $650,000 in 2023.
"Where $7.6 billion was wagered on sports in the state, 97% came from online or app-based sports gaming businesses.
"Where casinos and sportsbooks took in $933 million in sports betting revenue, the state took $935 million in taxable revenue."
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
