Alabama’s pre-filled bill would increase penalties for illegal gambling

A bill previously introduced for Alabama’s 2025 legislative session would increase penalties for running or owning an illegal gambling operation. Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Dozier) is one of many lawmakers who want to crack down on illegal gambling.

The current penalty for operating or owning an illegal gambling operation in Alabama is a Class A misdemeanor

In Covington County, a convenience store owner was caught selling scratch-off tickets. Hammett says the current penalties aren’t tough enough. This usually leads to repeat offenders.

“We had some in the store and they sent Opp Police Chief (Kevin) Chance. He and the district attorney went in and got him,” Hammett told CBS 42 News.

“And they said they’ll be back in six months because it was just a misdemeanor. All we can do is slap them on the wrist.”

Because the current penalty is a Class A misdemeanor, it is more likely that Alabama residents will continue to engage in illegal gambling operations. Hammett hopes to make it a Class C felony and a minimum fine of $1,000.

“We’re not going to go after these people who are operating under a constitutional amendment, like dog tracks or horse tracks,” Hammett said. “That’s not the purpose of this bill. It’s strictly for these illegal operations outside of CA.”

A comprehensive bill could solve the problem

Other lawmakers believe an all-inclusive bill would eliminate offshore sports betting and other unlicensed operators.

“We believe the problem of gaming in Alabama should be addressed comprehensively,” said Rep. Sam Jones (D-Mobile). “So we can cover all the bases in terms of dealing with illegal gaming, as well as legal gaming, in the state.”

Jones also added that this particular problem won’t go away unless it’s finally addressed.

“The problem of not doing a comprehensive proposal to address it and pass a comprehensive proposal — you see a lot of parts factory efforts,” Jones said. “And then those efforts are challenged in the Supreme Court and they’re challenging the court for years. And we still don’t get what we’re looking for.”

Hammett said unregulated gambling should be a bipartisan issue for Alabamians.

“It’s just lining the pockets of these illegal operators, and I hope we can all come together. As I’ve said before, no matter what side of the gambling issue you’re on, we all agree that there is a huge illegal gambling problem in the state,” Hammett commented. “And this bill is an effort to try to do something about it.”

Rep. Jones mentioned that last session’s gaming bill failed by one vote, which would have created an enforcement arm of the operations. The bill is expected to go to lawmakers when Alabama’s next legislative session begins in February.