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As December 2024 comes to a close, Alabama stands as an island of restriction in a sea of growing sports betting legalization. While neighboring states rake in revenue and cater to public demand, Alabama’s resistance to change continues, despite legislative pushes that almost reached the finish line earlier this year.
In early 2024, the Alabama House of Representatives approved House Bill 151, a sweeping measure aimed at modernizing the state’s gambling framework. The proposal sought to legalize sports betting, casino gambling, and establish a state lottery through a constitutional amendment. It appeared to be a landmark moment. However, the bill’s journey in the Senate was a case study in political hesitance. The Senate Tourism Committee gutted the measure, leaving only the lottery provision intact — a watered-down version that couldn’t muster the votes to pass. With that, Alabama’s chance to join the sports betting wave was shelved, at least until 2025.
Alabama remains a gambling desert, permitting only electronic bingo at tribal casinos and historical horse racing gaming at licensed pari-mutuel tracks—a far cry from the full-scale casino experiences found elsewhere. Traditional table games, sportsbooks, and even a state lottery remain off the table, leaving Alabama with one of the most restrictive gambling landscapes in the country. Meanwhile, neighboring states have embraced the economic and recreational opportunities Alabama shuns. Tennessee thrives with online sports betting, while Mississippi offers in-person wagering at licensed casinos. As these states rake in revenue and provide entertainment for their residents, Alabama remains stuck on the sidelines, unwilling to join the game.
While legal avenues remain nonexistent, the demand for sports betting in Alabama is undeniable. Data from GeoComply reveals that nearly 190,000 geolocation checks originated in Alabama during the 2024 NCAA basketball tournament — a clear indicator of residents’ efforts to access legal platforms in other states. Of those, 42 percent sought sportsbooks in Tennessee. Additionally, over 2 million attempts to access illegal online sportsbooks were blocked, underscoring the enforcement challenges and the untapped market for legal sports wagering. This demand isn’t limited to March Madness. Alabama consistently ranks second nationally in Google searches for illegal online sports betting. The interest is there, the dollars are flowing — but not into Alabama’s coffers.
In states where sports betting is legal, the numbers speak volumes. Americans legally bet over $100 billion on sports in 2023, with football leading the charge. Basketball, thanks to its higher volume of games, also commands a significant share. For Alabama, the potential revenue is undeniable. Events like the Iron Bowl, the state’s marquee college football matchup, illustrate the fervor for sports betting. Alabama residents eager to wager on this year’s game had to either cross state lines or resort to offshore platforms, missing an opportunity to contribute to state revenues.
Despite clear demand and economic incentives, Alabama’s path to legal sports betting faces formidable roadblocks. Opposition rooted in moral concerns continues to dominate the conversation, with some lawmakers framing the issue as a threat to the state’s social fabric. Yet, proponents argue that legalizing and regulating sports betting would not only curb offshore activity but also provide a financial boost to education, infrastructure, or other vital areas.
As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches, advocates are preparing to reignite the debate, armed with data and success stories from other states. The question remains whether Alabama’s lawmakers will finally align with public interest or continue to cling to outdated notions that keep the state isolated in an increasingly connected industry. For now, sports enthusiasts in Alabama are left to bet on hope — hope that the next session will bring meaningful progress. Until then, the state remains an outlier, watching as its neighbors cash in on opportunities it refuses to embrace.
