On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives approved HB151 and HB152 which would allow the people of Alabama to vote on establishing a comprehensive gaming package.
Dalton Dismukes, Chairman of the grassroots advocacy group Give Alabama A Voice said that overwhelming passage of this legislation on the House floor represents a significant milestone in the effort to bring revenue to the state, but reminded supporters that much work remains to be done.
“The Alabama House’s passage of the comprehensive gaming package is historic for Alabama and we are optimistic about significant new funding for public education and better services for citizens in every city, town, and crossroads,” Dismukes said.
“We applaud the 70 members of the House for taking this important first step for Alabama’s future. The fight is nowhere near complete though; and there is much work that remains until gaming is legal in Alabama. We must continue to advocate for legalized and safe forms of gaming to lawmakers in both the House and Senate,” Dismukes concluded.
Studies have shown the massive economic impact gaming could have on Alabama. By closing illegal gaming operations, authorizing a limited number of legal facilities, and strictly regulating the industry, Alabama would generate up to $400 million for schools and state services. Additionally, with the creation of a lottery, another $200 million could be added to the state’s budget.
Give Alabama A Voice is the state’s most active and high-profile advocacy group engaging on the issue of gaming in Alabama. The group has aired television advertisements across the state and has also engaged in the most aggressive digital campaign since the start of the effort.
