The first caucus meeting on January 13 gave lawmakers a chance to talk through the gambling question. Gudger noted that leadership should have a better read on where everyone stands by the time February rolls around. From what he’s hearing so far though, gambling bills will likely sit on the sidelines for the rest of 2026.

The outcome is in line with a pattern seen in prior years, evident from HB 152 that would have authorized legal sports betting as well as casinos and lottery games. The measure fell one vote shy of the necessary threshold in the Senate after changes were made to trim it back.

Constitutional Requirements Block Progress

Any growth of gaming is subject to stringent regulations under Alabama’s constitution. To complete this, lawmakers require more than half the votes. While the House needs 63 yes votes from its 105 members, the Senate needs 21 of its 35 senators. Only until the proposition passes both of those requirements will it be able to be voted on by voters in Alabama.

Senator Greg Albritton has decided not to submit any ideas this session, despite his prior support for gaming-related legislation. Albritton made it clear that he doesn’t have enough help and won’t waste time on a fruitless project.

Due to the lack of movement, Alabama continues to lose out on potential tax income and is one of five states without a lottery. A comprehensive gaming plan may bring in between $510 million and $710 million a year, according to a study group that Governor Kay Ivey created.

Residents continue to go over state lines or use offshore platforms despite the fact that sports betting is allowed in 38 states and lottery tickets are available in all four of Alabama’s neighboring states. Legislative permission, which seems doubtful in 2026, would be necessary for the establishment of sportsbooks in Alabama.

The circumstances could be altered by the governor’s election in November. Republican front-runner Tommy Tuberville has declared that he is in favor of letting people make their own gambling selections, while Democratic contender Doug Jones has included a state lottery in his plan.