Short answer: because it takes a constitutional amendment, and the Legislature hasn't been able to pass one. The 2026 session ended in April with no lottery or gambling bill passed.
Where things stand - Alabama is one of five states without a state lottery. - There is no legal sports betting, online or retail. - Any lottery or gambling expansion needs a supermajority in both chambers and then a statewide vote.
Recent history - 1999: Voters rejected a lottery referendum 54% to 46%. - 2024: A package with a lottery, casinos and sports betting passed the House but fell one vote short in the Senate. - 2025: Gambling bills were declared dead for the session. - 2026: Legislative leaders said early on they didn't expect gambling to come up. A broad bill (SB257) that would have let voters decide on a lottery, casinos and sports betting stayed in a Senate committee, and a narrower lottery-only bill never got a hearing.
Why it keeps stalling - Lawmakers disagree on where the revenue should go. - There are competing interests, including the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which bought the Birmingham Race Course in 2024. - Some lawmakers oppose any gambling expansion.
A 2020 study commission estimated a comprehensive package could raise up to $800 million a year. With a new governor taking office in 2027, the issue could come back.
Alabama members: lottery only, or the whole package? Do you cross the state line to play now?
Where things stand - Alabama is one of five states without a state lottery. - There is no legal sports betting, online or retail. - Any lottery or gambling expansion needs a supermajority in both chambers and then a statewide vote.
Recent history - 1999: Voters rejected a lottery referendum 54% to 46%. - 2024: A package with a lottery, casinos and sports betting passed the House but fell one vote short in the Senate. - 2025: Gambling bills were declared dead for the session. - 2026: Legislative leaders said early on they didn't expect gambling to come up. A broad bill (SB257) that would have let voters decide on a lottery, casinos and sports betting stayed in a Senate committee, and a narrower lottery-only bill never got a hearing.
Why it keeps stalling - Lawmakers disagree on where the revenue should go. - There are competing interests, including the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which bought the Birmingham Race Course in 2024. - Some lawmakers oppose any gambling expansion.
A 2020 study commission estimated a comprehensive package could raise up to $800 million a year. With a new governor taking office in 2027, the issue could come back.
Alabama members: lottery only, or the whole package? Do you cross the state line to play now?