In a recent spotlight article from the Alabama Political Reporter, author Josh Moon pointed out a ton of discrepancies in gaming etiquette in the Cotton State. In a micro example of how the state’s legal policies have entered the gray area more than once, a video of a person playing an online gambling game on their mobile phone has stirred some hot debate in Alabama political circles. While this might not raise the alarms for many consumers, in Alabama these games are illegal, except as the author points out “except where it’s not.” This has led some in state political circles to start raising some more vocal concerns about broad regulation in the state.
In this article, SBS will highlight some of the key points from this updated breakdown on the state of gaming in the Cotton State and some more notes on gaming overall here.
Per the article from the Alabama Political Reporter, to have a full understanding of Alabama’s gaming laws would take considerable time. It also points out that these laws are “archaic” and also “stupid” given the modern context of what they are required to operate under. As stated above, there are some inconsistencies with how gaming is policed in the state. For instance, dog and horse racing outlets are legal in certain counties and at certain venues. This also applies to bingo. As Moon points out, many people in the state (including circuit court judges) also feel the same should be applied to electronic bingo outlets too. These outlets though have come under fire in recent years for their dubious ties to betting in the state and the murky legal waters they tread in.
However, this recent video that has made the rounds in Alabama political circles has caused a stir since it is a prime example of unsanctioned gaming expansion in the state. In recent years, there have also been a number “questionable gambling facilities” that have popped up across the Cotton State per the report. This includes massive expansion of charity electronic bingo facilities with somewhat questionable charitable ties and links. Moreover, some of these charities have been found to be newly formed under suspicious pretenses.
In regards to the video in question though, this video appears to have originated from an Alabama casino called “The Palace” and appears to show gaming that doesn’t meet the standard definition of “electronic bingo.” This video illustrates that gaming can be anywhere in the state and not just on sanctioned gaming grounds.
In the article, there are a couple of prominent voices that are proponents of having broad regulation of gambling in the state. For instance, Greenetrack dog track CEO Nat Winn was referenced as being a proponent of having firmer regulations. His quote mentions that there needs to be a commission overseeing all of the outside gaming on and also that gambling is all over the place in the state and there are no roadblocks in place to hinder this expansion. Moreover Senator Greg Albritton, one of the most engaged lawmakers regarding gaming in Alabama, reinforced why it is important to have a strong game plan for gambling. In the article he points out that gaming is popping up all over the state and why “a comprehensive approach is necessary” to regulate everything under one authority.
Albritton points out that the punishments for gaming in the state are not very substantial and thus would not really curtail potential abusers to stay away from illegal gaming. With a history of legal disagreements around certain gaming laws, there is hope that those in power rally together to regulate and control the gambling occurring in Alabama. However, it remains to be seens if lawmakers and casino owners can work together on finding a solid middle ground per the report.
As you are taking in more information about the gaming scene in the Cotton State, a fantastic resource to always have on hand is our Alabama wagering guide. On this spectacular page you can find all kinds of great info related to gambling in the state like the latest welcome bonuses offered and also a ton of lines on college sports. In respect to the former category, SBS has compiled the best bonuses offered on our welcome bonuses overview page which details a plethora of ways to maximize your earnings. Finally, if you are a consumer that is always on the go, then our mobile wagering breakdown is exactly what you need to always stay on top of the action when it is of course permitted in that jurisdiction.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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