Last updated: June 1, 2020

Status: : Alabama has a history of resisting any expansion to gambling activities, with even a state lottery proving unpalatable to its lawmakers. A bill was introduced in May 2019 to reintroduce daily fantasy sports, but the legality of sports betting is not anticipated to change any time soon.

ETA: Sports betting is illegal in Alabama and this is not expected to change any time soon.

 

Alabama Betting History

In 1901, all forms of gambling were prohibited in Alabama. That remained the case until 1971, when pari-mutuel wagering at dog and horse tracks was permitted following an argument that these activities were based on skill rather than chance and therefore constitutional. As a result, four greyhound racing tracks were opened across the state.

The first charitable gaming appeared in Jefferson County after an amendment to the constitution paved the way for the first bingo hall. Other counties have since followed suit after further amendments.

A horse racing track was opened in Birmingham in 1984, and the first Native American casinos appeared following the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. However, attempts to get a state lottery up and running in 1993 and 1998 were unsuccessful.

Following lawsuits in 2013, some of the state’s casinos, including three operated by Native Americans, were closed for breaching regulations. Casinos do still exist today, but the type of gaming offered is restricted.

 

Is sports betting legal in Alabama?

Sports betting is not legal in Alabama.

 

Who controls sports betting in Alabama?

If sports betting is legalized, it would be controlled and regulated by a new entity known as the Alabama Sports Wagering Commission.

 

What is the legal age to bet on sports in Alabama?

Sports betting is illegal in Alabama, although if it were legal it is thought an age limit of 21 or over would be set.

 

Where can I bet on sports in Alabama?

Currently, you cannot place a wager on a professional or collegiate sports event in Alabama.

 

Who are the current operators/licensees in Alabama?

As of May 2020, there are no legal sports betting operators in the state.

 

Which operators currently offer legal sports betting in Alabama?

No operators currently offer legal sports betting in the state.

 

Is mobile and app sports betting available in Alabama?

No

 

How much is sports betting worth in Alabama?

With little appetite for gambling in the past, there has been almost zero research into the financial implications for the state of Alabama should sports betting become legal.

 

What is the tax rate for Alabama sports betting?

This is not known at this stage.