The Alabama Legislature is expected to consider some form of gaming legislation during the 2024 session, but it is not yet certain whether it will be able to pass the legislation.
Rep. Andy Witt (R-Harvest) has pledged to co-sponsor a bill to reform the Yellowhammer State's current gambling system.
Despite ongoing debate on the issue, some lawmakers still believe they do not have enough votes to pass comprehensive gaming legislation.
State Sen. Sam Givan (R-Huntsville) discussed that possibility Thursday on WVNN's “Dale Jackson Show.”
“I don't know,” Givan said. “I'm talking about sports betting and the lottery. If casinos were to go away, which I think they probably would, I don't think enough Republicans would vote for that and overturn the Democrats.”
The senator said there is nothing he has seen that would change his mind and support some type of casino gaming bill.
“I am firmly against casino gambling,” he said. “The difference between me filibustering and me being the only one voting no would be whether it affects Madison County or how it affects Madison County. As far as I understand right now, it won’t be Madison County.”
He also said there isn't really a demand to attract many new casinos to the state.
“There will be no MGM or Harrah's here,” he said. “What's the appeal? And what I was told yesterday was that these types of companies claim that the state of Alabama is not involved in this. And they crunch the numbers and , I think I thought, “No, I'm not interested.” And the northern Alabama location will be the site of Porch Indiana, if approved…I don't see anyone saying they're planning on spending the weekend in Greene County. ”
Givan also reiterated that the vote was not to pass the bill.
“It ignores the fact that there aren't enough senators to vote yes,” he said. “As far as I know, four out of five Madison County senators have voted 'no.'” Ta.
Yaffee is a contributor to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
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