Alabama State Assemblyman Matthew Hammett has proposed a new bill, HB 41, that increases penalties for gambling offences.
This bill moves certain violations from misdemeanours to felonies. For example, facilitating or organizing gambling can result in up to 10 years in prison (Class C) for a first offence and up to 20 years (Class B) for a repeat offence.
Significant changes: possession of 100+ lottery tickets carries a $2,500 fine. Possession of gambling devices is now a felony. Offences related to gambling records also received stiffer penalties.
The bill’s purpose is to combat illegal gambling. Vendors and cashiers who are only doing their jobs will not be penalized. The law is directed against the owners of illegal establishments.
However, these bans are unlikely to make life difficult for the players. After all, most modern people play or bet online. Bookmakers have been working online for a long time and offer their customers many betting options.
Customers can bet on the most popular sports in the US and other world leagues. Cricket can be taken as an example. The popularity statistics of this sport have shown an increase in the last few years. Therefore, cricket can be found on almost any betting site and app. The search leader, Iplbetting guru, lets you find information about dozens of popular bookmakers in cricket betting. Each bookmaker will enable you to bet on dozens of sports and play many games of chance. And it’s all available right from your phone. There’s nothing the Alabama authorities can do to prevent this from happening.
In 2024, the state House and Senate debated a big bill that included creating a state lottery, limiting casinos and regulating the industry. However, it failed to pass due to disagreements.
Senators could not agree on rules for online gambling, sports betting and the role of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which operates casinos in the state. Sen. Greg Albritton, a pro-gambling senator, said discussion of the issue next year is unlikely. He believes the weak enforcement is due to a lack of funds and confusing regulations.
Hammett is confident that local law enforcement can do the job. He said his county regularly confiscates slot machines and illegal lottery tickets. However, the prospect of passing the new bill remains uncertain.
The bill, HB 41, was an attempt to tighten gambling controls in the state, but it’s unclear whether it will gain support next year.
