Kellyanne Conway, political strategist and pollster renowned for her breakthrough work on Donald Trump’s 2016 underdog presidential campaign, addressed a group of state lawmakers this morning on research conducted by her firm into the prospect of legalizing forms of gaming in Alabama.
According to polling conducted by her firm, KAConsulting, 74% of Alabama voters said they support – including 52% who strongly support – legalizing gaming in Alabama, which includes “having a statewide lottery, casinos, and sports betting.”
That figure jumps to 79% support – and 60% strongly support – by the end of the survey once respondents were exposed to objective information about how other states utilize gaming revenue to help their states and the projected revenue Alabama could receive.
That revenue relates to an estimated $2.5 billion over the next 10 years from a statewide lottery and comprehensive gaming package, their research concluded.
Such funds, she argued, could be invested in education and infrastructure, following models from bordering states like Mississippi.
“Let the people decide,” Conway urged lawmakers, echoing Governor Kay Ivey’s call last night in her annual State of the State address, coinciding with the first day of the 2024 Alabama legislative session.
“74% of voters statewide said that they favor consideration of – that’s everything from sports betting slots, casinos to lottery – the whole gamut,” Conway said. “But most importantly, they favor having the choice.”
“If you have an opportunity to tell people, ‘we’re going to lie and decide for yourselves’ – it’s a big deal. In this polling, 89% believe it is important that they get a chance to vote – meaning that includes 68% who say that they’re not even willing to participate in it. They don’t much care about it. But they want the opportunity to say ‘no’ given that opportunity.”
Later on Wednesday, State Reps. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City), and Sam Jones (D-Mobile), along with State Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) held a press conference in which they outlined all major details of their 2024 gaming proposal.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re closer now than we have ever been to getting this matter. put to rest but under the authority of the State to be able to control it. I applaud their efforts,” Sen. Albritton said. “I invite you all to read our 150 most enthralling pages.”
Additional coverage forthcoming.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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