Some Alabama lawmakers and even Gov. Kay Ivey expressed disappointment and frustration Thursday that the legislative session ended without a final vote on the gambling bill.
The bill passed the House earlier in the session, but its supporters were unable to break the deadlock in the Senate, where a smaller version of the bill failed by one vote.
Because the bill was not approved this session, voters will not have a chance to vote on gambling in the state later this year, continuing a 25-year stalemate on the issue.
“There was a huge effort to make this happen. I think people want the opportunity to vote, and we hear that voice everywhere we go,” Republican House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said, according to the Associated Press. .
Gambling bill stalls set up at Alabama statehouse during final hours of session
The Alabama Legislature adjourned Thursday without a deal after a gaming bill easily passed the House but stalled in the Senate. (Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
The bill approved by the House of Representatives lottery, It included sports betting and up to 10 casinos with slot machines and table games, but the Senate only included a lottery, with the installation of machines at dog tracks and other sites that allowed players to bet on replays of horse races. Approved a stricter version that allows.
Senators were reluctant to approve the idea of slot machines or video poker.
A conference committee proposed a compromise that would have allowed a statewide lottery and slot machines at seven locations around the state, which also passed the House but not the Senate. There wasn’t.
Republican Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed said the conference committee’s proposal “didn’t get a vote of approval in the Senate.” “So that’s where we are.”
Alabama lawmaker proposes bill to introduce state lottery and 10 casinos
Alabama state senators were reluctant to approve a bill that would allow slot machines and video poker in the state. (Wayne Perry/AP Photo)
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey told reporters Thursday that she was disappointed in the outcome because “we wanted to give people the opportunity to vote on this issue.”
When asked if he would call a special legislative session on the matter, the governor said it would be meaningless unless lawmakers can reach an agreement.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Chris Blackshear, said the bill, if passed, would give the state more funding for education, roads and other needs.
“It was as close as it’s ever been. We had a chance,” Blackshear said of the court’s efforts.
Democratic Rep. Barbara Drummond noted that Alabamians are traveling to neighboring states to buy lottery tickets, which benefits residents in other areas.
“I’m frustrated today,” she said. “The House rightly rose up, but hit a wall upstairs. It’s time to stop playing these special interest games and start looking out for the people who send us here.”
Alabama doesn’t have a lottery, and lawmakers have expressed frustration that residents have to buy scratch-off tickets in other states, which benefits other states’ programs. (St. Petersburg)
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Alabamians haven’t voted on gambling since 1999. Don Siegelman was rejected by voters.
Since then, multiple efforts have been made to establish gambling opportunities in the state, but debates over casinos and electronic gambling machines have been the main reason for stalled bills.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
