Gov. Kay Ivey appears to have chosen to take her side in the gaming controversy currently engulfing the state Legislature.

Ivey told X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that he wants Alabama voters to “have a say in the game” in the state.

I think Alabamians want to have a say in the game and should have the opportunity to do so. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/RapMhyi2SS

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) February 14, 2024

During his State of the Union address, the governor spoke about legislation to minimize illegal gambling, support legal gambling, and launch a state lottery.

In an interview with a Huntsville TV station last week, Ivey talked about signing a bill to allow legalized gaming in the Yellowhammer State.

“This bill has to be a good bill for the state of Alabama, it has to be comprehensive, or I won't sign it,” Ivey told WHNT-TV Channel 19. “But I support the game if it's done legally,” he said.

“Illegal gambling is taking place, and the state is not making a dime from it. Therefore, we are cracking down on illegal gambling and providing limited, regulated, legal gambling, including state lotteries. It needs to be introduced.”

He said sports betting is also a possibility.

A gaming bill introduced by Rep. Andy Witt (R-Harvest) is currently moving through the House. As of yesterday, the bill was approved by the Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Alabama hasn't held a statewide vote on gambling since 1999, when then-Gov. Don Sigleman proposed a state lottery. Alabama voters ultimately rejected the proposal.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.