Casino Possibility On The Horizon
By Bonita Wilborn
A piece of proposed legislation could change the gambling climate in Alabama forever, but things are far from settled at this point. A Senate bill is being considered that would put gaming expansion to a statewide referendum in 2022. So don’t expect to see casinos appearing in Alabama shortly. Things must go through all the proper steps before they become a reality.
Some media outlets have reported a link between this proposed gambling legislation and the Poarch Creek Indians and the possibility of a casino being allowed in either Jackson County or DeKalb County in northeast Alabama. However, at press time, our local legislators had not made any decisions concerning Senate Bill 214 or 215.
Senator Steve Livingston and Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter have both given comments concerning the legislation stating that they will examine the bill and any subsequent amendments very carefully and vote for what is in the best interest of their constituents, as well as the economic impact such legislation would have on the State of Alabama.
A proposed amendment to the Alabama Constitution, sponsored by State Senator Del Marsh (R-Anniston), would overturn Alabama’s ban on gambling and games of chance.
Livingston, who represents DeKalb, Jackson, and Madison counties, sits on the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee, which gave a favorable report on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, to Senate Bill 214. Senate Bill 215 is the enabling legislation that would go into effect if SB214 is passed and then ratified by Alabama voters on the November 2022 ballot.
The bill would also establish the Alabama Education Lottery Corporation and Alabama Gaming Commission to enforce compliance with state laws, such as proper licensing and fee payment. Lawmakers are also considering how the projected $500 million generated from a major expansion of gambling across the State would be spent.
Casinos could be created at the State’s four greyhound tracks with a fifth casino located in northeast Alabama, in either Jackson or DeKalb County, to be operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI). Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill, said those two counties were most likely chosen as a potential site due to their geographical proximity to Chattanooga.
Livingston said, “The recent report put out by Governor Ivey’s Gaming Task Force Report will determine what the direct impact will be on Northeast Alabama.” He further stated that he has “no details as to how the location of the casino will be determined if the bill passes through the legislature.
Livingston urged the public to do its own research by reading SB214 http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2021RS/PrintFiles/SB214-int.pdf and Gov. Kay Ivey’s Gaming Task Force Report at https://governor.alabama.gov/assets/2020/12/FINAL-GSGGP-GAMBLING-REPORT.pdf.
Any bill that passes the Senate would have to advance to the Alabama House and Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville). Ledbetter stated, “I will consider the findings issued by the governor’s Study Group on Gambling Policy, ask needed questions, and push for any changes that I feel are necessary. ”
For many years, PCI has sought an agreement with the State that would allow them to offer Class II games at their Wind Creek casino properties in Montgomery, Wetumpka, and Atmore. Class II gaming is electronic bingo. Last summer, Gov. Kay Ivey’s Study Group on Gambling Policy stated they were ready to discuss proposals to allow gambling expansion, including the possibility of Las Vegas-style electronic slot machines and table games such as poker and blackjack at a limited number of existing sites across Alabama.
In Alabama, a constitutional amendment must be passed by a 60% vote in each state legislature’s house during one legislative session to advance to a referendum. In 2019, a proposed measure to again put the issue on the 2020 ballot failed to pass the Alabama House of Representatives by the required three-fifths margin after passing the Senate by a vote of 21-12.
PCI has released details of a comprehensive plan for gaming in Alabama that is “designed to generate billions of dollars in new revenues to the State, create thousands of new jobs, as well as regulate and tax gaming interests.
On the supporting website, https://www.winningforalabama.com/investment, PCI states, “We want to build two new world-class resort destinations in Alabama, bringing the total to five top-rated Wind Creek properties that will attract tourism. Like our other deluxe properties, these new resorts will become economic hubs to the communities where they are located and spur investment and job creation.”
Casino Possibility On The Horizon