Gambling bill to allow lottery and slots remains stalled in the Alabama Senate

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A proposal to authorize a state lottery and allow casinos with slot machines and video poker, but not table games, at seven sites in the state remains stalled in the Alabama Legislature but could get another vote in the session’s final three days.

“I don’t know exactly what the outcome is going to be, other than the membership is working on the issue,” Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed said Thursday when asked about the possibility of another vote.

A conference committee this week proposed a compromise to authorize a state lottery and “electronic games of chance” at four dog tracks and three bingo halls. It would also direct the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would got to an Aug. 20 statewide vote.

The House of Representatives approved the proposed compromise plan, but it failed by one vote in the Senate.

Some state senators who voted no said they are getting pressure both to change their vote or to hold fast in their opposition.

Republican Sen. Lance Bell, who supported an earlier version of the bill, voted no on the conference committee proposal. “You are basically giving full casinos,” Bell said of the plan.

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