Gambling Legislation in Alabama: A Political Stalemate
There’s a clear reason comprehensive gambling laws seem stuck in limbo here. Every year, Alabama lawmakers consistently bypass opportunities that could bring in billions in tax revenue. Instead of engaging with gambling reforms, they often opt to proliferate an illegal and predatory gaming scene across the state.
It’s all about politics.
This week, a classic illustration of this dynamic surfaced involving former Alabama Supreme Court Judge Jay Mitchell, Brandt County District Attorney Pamela Casey, and Katherine Robertson, the lead attorney at the Alabama Attorney General’s office.
The real clash appears to lie between Mitchell and Robertson, who seem to have been vying to outdo each other in various aspects—from their support for Trump to raising funds. Recently, Robertson accepted a $10,000 donation from the Creek Indian pouch band. Mitchell then released a statement criticizing her for accepting this money, labeling it as “big gambling” funds and suggesting it conflicts with the Attorney General’s duty to safeguard families in Alabama.
But wait, what exactly is “big gambling”? Seriously, does anyone really know what that entails?
More importantly, in 2025, are we still treating casino entities as if they’re not just businesses like any others? It’s quite puzzling. Just consider the ads for FanDuel or Draft Kings popping up during soccer games every weekend. Both red and blue states have lotteries, sportsbooks, and casinos sprinkled throughout. Even some of the most successful investors and hedge funds are heavily involved with gambling companies.
Yet, somehow, we’re acting like it’s the 1950s, convinced that these new gambling ventures might bring chaos to our quiet states.
Additionally, the donation in question came from Porcher Creekspanse, not directly from the tribal gambling organization. This opens the door to the possibility that various PCI businesses—affiliated with big names like NASA and Disney—might have supported those contributions.
PCI owns the state’s three main resort casinos and several other enterprises, making it a key player in Alabama’s jobs market and an important tax contributor. Many communities benefit from PCI’s financial impact. It’s curious how everyone seems eager to accept funds and collaborate with them.
Honestly, viewing Porch Creek as simply a casino operator feels akin to calling Amazon just an online bookstore.
Still, even if Porch Creek only operated casinos, why should we consider them any differently from other businesses? I mean, isn’t this a valid question for both Mitchell and Robertson? Robertson, in her influential position, has had a hand in steering the anti-gambling messages from the Attorney General’s office, thus sharing some responsibility for this situation.
The ongoing situation leaves us in a kind of gambling purgatory. While gambling continues in various forms across the state, we’re missing out on significant tax revenue because we prefer political maneuvering over actual solutions.
The narrative portrays casino owners as untrustworthy, painting a picture that the public needs protection from them. In reality, the opposite may be true. Few industries face as much regulation as casinos do. PCI’s Wind Creek facility, for instance, undergoes annual federal oversight and all operators must pass strict background checks. If state regulations apply, there’s even more scrutiny, with serious consequences for violations.
If only we applied the same rigorous standards to other businesses in our state. Numerous companies tarnish our environment, cause pollution, and fail to deliver goods and services as promised. Yet, when candidates accept donations from these businesses, no one raises an eyebrow—this despite their supposed mandate to protect Alabamians from such entities.
You might not have noticed, but public perceptions of gambling have evolved considerably over the last 50 years. It’s no longer a shadowy, risky pastime relegated to places like Las Vegas. You can place bets through your phone or buy lottery tickets on a quick drive. You can even visit a casino right here in Alabama.
It’s high time voters demand more from their politicians regarding this issue. They need to insist that leaders stop the political games and genuinely leverage any potential revenue for crucial areas like education and healthcare. This matters—seriously.
Until that happens, we’ll just be stuck in the past.
