Alabama Lawmaker Pushes for Voter-Approved Gambling Expansion

Bill would allow statewide vote on lottery, casinos, and sports betting.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

State Senator Merika Coleman has introduced a bill in the Alabama legislature that would put the question of legalizing a state lottery, casino-style gaming, and sports betting directly to voters through a constitutional amendment. The streamlined proposal aims to avoid lengthy legislative debates and let Alabamians decide whether to allow expanded gambling in the state.

Why it matters

Alabama is one of the few remaining states without a lottery, and neighboring states that do allow some form of gambling generate significant tax revenue that Alabama is currently missing out on. This latest effort seeks to give voters a direct say on whether to expand legal gambling options in the state.

The details

Senate Bill 257 would create a state-operated lottery system, permit casino-style gaming at licensed locations, and legalize both in-person and online sports betting. The bill also establishes a state gaming commission to oversee and regulate the industry, and authorizes the governor to negotiate a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama's only federally recognized tribe.

  • The bill was filed on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Merika Coleman

A Democratic state senator from Pleasant Grove who introduced the gambling expansion bill.

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

The only federally recognized tribe in Alabama, which the governor would be authorized to negotiate a gaming compact with under the proposed legislation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If the bill passes the legislature, Alabama voters would then have the opportunity to approve or reject the proposed constitutional amendment on gambling expansion in a statewide referendum.

The takeaway

This latest push to legalize gambling in Alabama reflects the state's desire to capture tax revenue that neighboring states are currently generating from lotteries, casinos, and sports betting. By putting the decision directly in the hands of voters, the bill's sponsor hopes to avoid the legislative gridlock that has stalled previous gambling expansion efforts.