For any gambling bill to have a chance of passing the Alabama Legislature during the 2024 regular session, many state leaders and law enforcement officials say it must include robust enforcement mechanisms and regulations to end rampant illegal gaming currently plaguing the state.

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One official who spoke to 1819 News said, “It is no secret; Alabama has had a long, complicated history with gambling, and saying different would be a monumental understatement. Illegal gambling is ongoing in all 67 counties, and in most, it is going unchecked.”

An ad hoc committee of about nine House members was assembled last June to study gambling practices in the state and possibly introduce a bill in 2024 to present state-regulated gambling options.