Alabama has some very restrictive laws when it comes to gambling of any kind, and that includes betting on sports. Alabama Sports Betting is not currently legal, although there have been some recent attempts to make that happen.
Alabama online bookmakers also seemed like a strong possibility at times in 2020, but all of the bills ended up dying out before an official vote. As some neighboring states have already launched sports betting, it has put pressure on Alabama lawmakers to get something done.
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Alabama Sportsbooks
If Alabama is able to launch sportsbooks, then choosing retail locations could be an issue. There aren’t any commercial Alabama casinos, and most states allow commercial casinos to open up retail sportsbooks.
Alabama sportsbooks could be offered at the three tribal casinos in the state, which are all owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. This Native American tribe already has a partnership with Betfred as it offers retail sportsbooks in Pennsylvania.
Alabama online sportsbooks could look to Tennessee online bookmakers for some guidance as that state was in a similar position. TN decided to launch online-only sports betting, and that could be a route taken in Alabama.
Alabama Sports Betting Rules
Alabama lawmakers were not able to provide a ton of specifics in their bills before they were shut down. Determining if betting on college sporting events would be allowed in Alabama would be one of the biggest questions to answer.
Alabama is not home to any major professional sports teams, but it is in the heart of SEC country. The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers would likely drive AL sports betting if it were to be legalized.
Latest Alabama News
Alabama Sports Betting Regulations
Alabama lawmakers have made several attempts to legalize sports betting in the past, with HB 336 being the most recent attempt. This bill attempted to create the Alabama Sports Wagering Commission, which would oversee sportsbooks in Alabama.
According to this bill, both retail and online sports betting would be available in Alabama, but other lawmakers were not able to make any amendments before it was shut down. A bill similar to this is expected to be introduced again in 2021, and there is optimism that some progress can be made.
Summary
Alabama sportsbooks are not yet legal, but there is some optimism heading into 2021. As more states in that part of the country launch legal sports betting, it puts more pressure on Alabama.
Online sports wagering is expected to be legalized as well, and that will likely bring in the most betting handle. There is still work to be done, but Alabama has already started to make some progress.
