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There is still a chance that Alabamans might vote on whether to authorize a state lottery in 2026 but that would require lawmakers to reach a compromise on other gambling issues. Despite broad for a lottery among legislators and the Alabama public alike, the lottery has become a political hostage.
Previous attempts to put the question to voters have included also potentially authorizing other forms of gambling like physical casinos and sports wagering. Because is not as strong for such a broad expansion of regulated gaming in the state, entire packages have failed to reach voters. Differing opinions on the issue could maintain this status quo for the foreseeable future.
Lottery’s status as a political football
After the Alabama legislature fell one vote short of sending a constitutional amendment proposal to voters in 2024, movement on the issue has regressed in 2025. Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger stated that the body would not consider any gaming measures in 2025. The sticking point has not been whether Alabamans should decide on a lottery alone but rather what other forms of gambling could be included in such a proposal.
The package that nearly ed in 2024 included authorization for a state lottery but also would have put parimutuel wagering on horse races, historical horse racing terminals, and permission for the governor to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) on the ballot. That represented a bill that the Alabama House of Representatives ed, but the House gave its consent anyway.
Ultimately, that package fell short due to disagreements over whether Class III Gaming in Alabama like sports wagering and table games should be fully controlled by the PBCI or whether tracks in the state should also have an opportunity. The legislation suggested that a standalone lottery proposal might get to voters.
The political will to put forth a lottery-only resolution seems to be a victim of lobbying by groups with other interests and competing interests using a lottery as leverage. Additionally, the lottery itself might not move the needle enough for lawmakers to act on it in a vacuum.
Varying opinions signal potential maintenance of status quo
In 2026, Alabamans will vote not only for a new governor but also many seats in the state legislature and other elected offices. As campaigns are already firing off, whether gambling will be an issue in the various races depends on who you speak to.
John Sharp of AL.com spoke to multiple campaign strategists who do not see gaming as “a vote-motivating issue.” While there might be a consensus in favor of a lottery, political messaging is likely to focus on other issues that candidates believe will be more effective at getting ers to the polls.
However, another strategist differs in that stance, believing that gambling could an issue. Alabama Sen. Andrew Jones echoed that sentiment according to Sharp. Sharp wrote that Jones “believes there will be more repercussions for incumbent lawmakers who voted against the comprehensive plan” in 2024.
If gambling does become a campaign issue, polling suggests that candidates are unlikely to run against a lottery amendment. Sharp cited a poll that showed 80% of respondents in Alabama the state offering a lottery.
For voters, the pertinent question for candidates might not be whether they a lottery but rather whether they would a standalone lottery amendment. Legislators might be reticent to play that card.
Lottery’s political value is conceptual
Sharp quoted Sheena Gamble, a spokesperson with the Democratic Party of Alabama, who described the situation in Montgomery regarding the lottery perfectly.
“A lottery is the ever-dangling, never-consumed carrot of the Alabama Legislature,” Gamble said.
Gudger has expressed openness to considering gambling measures but will likely need to be convinced that requisite for any proposal exists before bringing it forward for a vote. House leaders have emphasized that their Senate companions will need to initiate any legislation on the subject of gaming.
As Gamble alluded to, the conditions exist for the possibility of a lottery proposal in 2026 and that’s a big part of why the premise is more substantial than action on gaming in Montgomery. To make a lottery happen, lawmakers will have to reach a consensus on other forms of gambling.
Divisions on casino gaming and sports wagering could keep the lottery in the political football bag in Alabama.
