BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Discussions on whether to bring the game to Alabama officially began Tuesday. The proposed bill would legalize gambling in the state, ending a years-long back-and-forth that has sparked much reaction from residents and leaders alike.
What comes up again and again from people who talk about this is the social impact that gambling has on communities. Several groups opposed to House Bills 151 and 152 have raised the possibility of increased suicide rates and increased crime. Supporters say Alabama has a chance to catch up with the majority of other states with gambling laws.
If passed, the bill would create lottery and sports betting and bring in seven casinos, including several in Birmingham and Greene County. Lawmakers say all of this could bring in more than $1 billion in revenue to the state. State Treasurer Young Boozer is one of the voices supporting this bill. After joining the governor’s study group on gaming policy, he believes gaming can work in Alabama, too.
“Alabama is late to the game. Lotteries are offered in 45 states. Casinos with Class 3 games operate in 44 states, and sports betting is currently legal in 38 states. 4 years. “Before, it was only legal in 27 states,” Boozer said.
He also noted that 28 states with lotteries donate some or all of the proceeds to education. A House committee is scheduled to vote Wednesday on whether to send the bill to the packed chamber.
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