Alabama lawmakers will resume a quarter-century quest – the idea of legalized gambling – during the 2024 legislative session, one year after placing the issue completely on hold.

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But the approach by the Alabama House, which is where gambling bills have died in past years, could be different than votes on comprehensive casino plans. Lawmakers are exploring ways to introduce measures to establish a regulatory body to reign in what they claim is a rash of illegal gambling that is already occurring.

Republican Alabama House Speaker Nathanial Ledbetter, and State Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest who chairs an ad hoc group of House members exploring examining gaming, both said this week that the state needs to form a gaming commission and regulate widespread illicit gambling.