The state of Alabama does not currently offer a lottery for its residents, however, it does seem to be the closest in terms of the five states that don’t have one.
It requires a 60% vote in both the Alabama State Senate and Alabama State House of Representatives for an amendment to the state constitution to be put in front of the voters in a general election. Sadly, the proposed amendment fell one vote short in the Alabama Senate after easily passing in the Alabama House.
On the bright side, it was the closest that passage of a proposed amendment has ever gotten and the state congress will be able to take another crack at it in 2025.
The proposed amendment would have established the Alabama Gaming Commission, which may have paved the way for the lottery, but also the potential for sports betting and casinos. Alabama, unlike neighboring Mississippi, does not use its Gulf Coast for gaming.
Will Alabama Ever Have a State Lottery?
The near-miss during the 2024 legislative session paved the way for further discussion to be had, as it was the closest vote regarding a lottery in the state’s history. The previous closest call came in 1999, so the state’s representatives and congresspeople seem to be more open to establishing a gaming commission and putting a lottery to a public vote than ever before.
Revised versions of the bill were done in bipartisan fashion, leading some analysts to believe that 2025 could be the year for Alabama and voters may be able to have their say as soon as August.
Alabama Lottery Options
Neighboring Mississippi started a lottery system in 2019 and Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia all offer lotteries as well. Unlike other states in the Lower 48 without lottery, the main population centers in Alabama are near the center of the state, making it a longer drive to participate in things like the Mega Millions or Powerball.
Mobile, however, is very close to both Florida and Mississippi, so residents in that city can take a short drive east or west to play if they so desire.
Alabama Lottery Frequently Asked Questions
Alabama is one of five states without a lottery. Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah are the others.
The Alabama state constitution prohibits gambling of all forms and “any scheme in the nature of a lottery”.
Passage with a vote of 60% is required in both the Alabama House and Senate for any proposed amendment to be put to a vote by the citizens of Alabama.