State Rep. Chris Blackshear recently discussed the push for a comprehensive gaming and lottery bill in the Alabama House during the 2024 legislative session on Sports Radio 740 in Montgomery. Blackshear highlighted the need for legalized sports wagering from a regulation standpoint, citing a recent scandal involving former Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon in a state where sports betting is legal and regulated.
He emphasized the importance of regulating and taxing the large illegal sports wagering economy in Alabama, noting that the state could be missing out on significant revenue. Blackshear criticized the Senate for amending and essentially gutting the House-approved comprehensive gambling package, which included provisions for sports betting and casino gaming.
Despite strong public support for gambling legislation, including polls showing high levels of support for a comprehensive gaming plan and a lottery, the Senate’s actions thwarted progress on the bill. Blackshear expressed frustration over the influence of in-state entities that opposed the legislation and used scare tactics to sway lawmakers.
The issue of gambling legislation in Alabama will be revisited in February 2025, but for now, the state remains unable to regulate and tax the revenues from illegal sports wagering. Blackshear urged lawmakers to consider the economic benefits of passing a comprehensive gaming and lottery bill, noting the potential for significant tax revenue and regulation of the industry.
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