Another NFL season is underway, but Alabama remains one of the states without legal sports betting. The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) is using the start of the season to renew its push for legalization, arguing that residents are already wagering while the state misses out on potential tax revenue. According to the SBA, a regulated online sports betting market could generate between $65 million and $90 million in new annual tax revenue for Alabama.
The SBA argues that keeping sports betting illegal has not stopped people in Alabama from wagering. Instead, the group says residents who want to bet are turning to offshore operators or traveling to states where sports wagering is legal.
That has become one of the main points behind the SBA’s latest campaign. The group says Alabama is missing out on tax revenue while offshore sportsbooks can reach residents without being regulated by the state.
The SBA is also emphasizing consumer protections. In legal markets, sportsbooks offer responsible gaming tools such as time limits, self-exclusion programs, and more. Offshore operators do not have the same protections in place, putting Alabama residents at risk.
Legalizing sports betting in Alabama has been discussed for years, but lawmakers have repeatedly struggled to come to an agreement.
The issue surfaced again this summer when State Rep. Chris Blackshear indicated that gambling reform could return to the political agenda in the coming years. The previous Alabama betting debate has included disagreements over sports betting and the role of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. There is currently no specific new proposal or timeline for another legalization effort. Those differences have made it difficult to build enough support.
In 2024, the House passed a gambling package that included sports betting, casinos, and a state lottery. The Senate later removed sports betting, with the final compromise focused on a lottery, electronic gaming locations, and a tribal gaming compact. That proposal ultimately fell one vote short in the Senate.
Alabama lawmakers tried again in 2026. SB 257 proposed a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the Legislature to authorize a state lottery, in-person casino gaming, and sports wagering both online and at physical locations. It also called for a state gaming commission and would have authorized the governor to negotiate a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Ultimately, it did not pass.
To that end, the SBA’s latest campaign is an attempt to raise awareness about the benefits of a regulated market amid these challenges in getting it legalized.
The sports betting industry has shown significant interest in Alabama. This was evident this year, when gambling-related organizations put money into state political campaigns.
Previous reporting on gambling campaign spending found that the Montgomery-based SV&B PAC had distributed $718,500 to candidates since January 2025 as of March. The PAC had received more than $1.25 million from the Sports Betting Alliance during that period.
The SBA represents several of the biggest sportsbook operators in the country, including bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel, so there’s a clear interest in Alabama.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has also been active in state politics. Its PAC has contributed $190,000 to Alabama lawmakers since late 2025 as of the March report, showing that tribal and commercial gaming interests are both paying close attention to the future of Alabama sports betting.
For now, Alabama bettors still cannot use regulated online sportsbooks, but there is clear momentum towards legalization.
