LOTTO Looking Like a “No Go”

(AL.COM/www.al.com)

The Alabama Senate has rejected a bill to allow a lottery and casinos in Alabama.

The Bill, by Senator Del Marsh of Anniston, required 21 votes to pass, but fell just two votes short on a 19 – 13 vote in favor.

Marsh’s original bill called for five new casinos, with two other locations added later. Four of the casinos would have been at the state’s greyhound tracks – including one at the Birmingham Race Course.  The original Bill would also have placed a facility in northeast Alabama, located in either DeKalb or Jackson County, and it would’ve been operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

That bill also called for Governor Kay Ivey to enter a compact with the Poarch Creeks to allow casinos at the tribe’s three electronic bingo facilities on tribal lands, located in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka.

That net revenue from the lottery, estimated at $200 to $280 million a year, would’ve been earmarked to fund scholarships to community colleges – based on need, merit, and the workforce needs of the state.

The casinos would’ve paid a 20% tax on gambling activity.  Almost half of that money would’ve gone toward expanding access to high speed internet across the state until $1 billion is applied’ it would’ve also supported rural health care, mental health care, and the State’s General Fund.  Counties and municipalities would also been in line to receive portions.

Ivey put out a statement Tuesday which was generally supportive of the bill although she said it needs more work.  The governor said she has met with legislative leaders, and is pleased with the progress.

Alabama voters last had the chance to vote on a lottery in 1999 – when they rejected a plan by then Governor Don Siegelman.

Marsh said polling indicates voters are ready to reconsider the issue.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)

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