MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey is in favor of allowing the people of Alabama to vote on the issue of legalizing gaming, according to a spokesperson.
The Alabama Senate on Tuesday will likely consider SB 214, a comprehensive gaming bill sponsored by Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) that would represent a historic investment in broadband expansion, rural health care, mental health care and education. While the final details have been under discussion for the last few weeks, the core of the bill is expected to remain the same.
The legislation would regulate and control gaming activity that already exists in the shadows across the state while for the first time collecting revenue pursuant to this activity. A lottery would be instituted, as well as limited casino gaming and sports betting.
SB 214 is expected to garner bipartisan support, given the tight and transparent control, regulation and revenue streams involved.
In a statement, gubernatorial spokesperson Gina Maiola outlined that Ivey’s ultimate position on the bill is reliant on the details. A substitute version of SB 214 is expected to be presented on the Senate floor on Tuesday, and amendments could also be offered thereafter.
“Governor Ivey wants to be able to support the final gaming proposal from the Legislature,” stated Maiola on Monday. “She has expressed this to Senator Marsh and others, and we still have some work to be done. She remains engaged and in conversations with Senator Marsh. Ultimately, we must be able to control and regulate gambling if it is going to be legal in Alabama, and the intention is certainly not to have a casino on every corner.”
“The governor supports the people of Alabama having the final say,” concluded Ivey’s spokesperson.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
