Sports Betting in Alabama: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Outlook

Sports betting has grown rapidly across the United States since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. This landmark decision allowed individual states to decide whether to legalize and regulate sports betting. While many states jumped at the opportunity, others, like Alabama, have taken a more cautious and conservative approach.

As of 2025, sports betting remains illegal in Alabama. Despite increasing interest among residents and multiple legislative attempts to legalize it, political resistance and deep-rooted cultural values have kept Alabama one of the few states where sports betting is still prohibited.

Historical Context and Legal Landscape

Alabama has long maintained some of the strictest gambling laws in the country. The state has no commercial casinos, and most forms of gambling are either heavily regulated or outright banned. There are a few tribal casinos operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, but they are limited to Class II gaming (such as bingo and electronic bingo games) under federal law.

In terms of sports betting, Alabama has made several attempts to introduce legislation since 2018, but none have passed. Bills proposing the legalization of sports betting have been introduced almost every year in the state legislature, with growing support from some lawmakers, but they have consistently failed to gain enough traction.

One of the major obstacles is Alabama’s constitution, which has strict prohibitions against gambling. Any significant expansion, including sports betting, would likely require a constitutional amendment. That means the issue would need not only legislative approval but also a statewide referendum.

Cultural and Political Resistance

Much of the resistance to sports betting in Alabama stems from the state's conservative cultural and religious values. Alabama is part of the Bible Belt, and many residents and political leaders view gambling as morally objectionable or socially harmful. Religious groups, particularly evangelical Christian organizations, have been vocal opponents of any expansion of gambling, including sports betting.

Additionally, there is a fear among some lawmakers that legalizing sports betting could lead to increased addiction, crime, and financial instability for low-income residents. These concerns have made the path to legalization more difficult compared to states with more progressive or economically motivated agendas.

Public Opinion Shifting

Despite the resistance from some political and religious groups, public opinion on sports betting in Alabama appears to be shifting. Polls conducted in recent years suggest that a majority of Alabamians support legalized sports betting, especially when revenue from it would go toward education, infrastructure, or healthcare.

The success of sports betting in neighboring states like Tennessee and Mississippi has also added pressure. These states have seen millions in tax revenue generated from sports betting, prompting some Alabama residents and officials to question whether the state is missing out on economic opportunities.

Tennessee, for instance, has a fully online sports betting system that has proven lucrative. Mississippi offers in-person betting at casinos. Alabama residents often travel across state lines to place bets, which has led to calls for keeping that money within the state by legalizing and taxing sports betting locally.

Legislative Efforts and Proposed Frameworks

In recent years, several lawmakers have introduced bills that would legalize and regulate sports betting in Alabama. The most notable proposals have included:

• Creating a state lottery and gaming commission, which would oversee not just sports betting but also casino gaming and lottery sales.
  
  

• Limiting sports betting to licensed operators, including both in-person and mobile platforms.
  
  

• Allocating tax revenue from sports betting toward public education, rural healthcare, or other state needs.
  
  

However, these bills have often been bundled with broader gambling legislation, making them harder to pass due to the larger political battles involved.

Some lawmakers have suggested separating sports betting from other forms of gambling to improve its chances of passing. This strategy might gain more support by addressing sports betting as a standalone economic and regulatory issue rather than part of a broader, more controversial gambling expansion.

The Road Ahead

The future of sports betting in Alabama remains uncertain, but there are signs of potential progress. As more states legalize and normalize sports betting, and as public support grows, Alabama may eventually follow suit.

A possible turning point could be the 2026 legislative session, when new bills are expected to be introduced, possibly including a ballot measure that would allow voters to decide on the issue directly. If such a measure makes it to the ballot and passes, Alabama could see regulated sports betting within a few years.

In the meantime, Alabama residents will likely continue to use offshore betting sites or travel to neighboring states, leaving potential tax revenue on the table.

Conclusion

Sports betting in Alabama remains a contentious and evolving issue. While the state continues to uphold its conservative stance on gambling, changing public sentiment and economic considerations could push the needle toward legalization in the coming years. For now, Alabamians will have to watch the action from the sidelines—unless they’re willing to cross state lines.

As lawmakers weigh the social risks against the potential economic benefits, the debate over sports betting in Alabama will remain an important issue heading into future elections and legislative sessions.