MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Alabama Supreme Court has refused Gov. Robert Bentley’s request to weigh in on whether a lottery would open the door to full-blown casinos in the state.
Justices wrote Thursday that they were reluctant to weigh in about a hypothetical bill without specific language to review. The governor had sought an advisory opinion on the collateral effect of removing a gambling ban in the Alabama Constitution.
Bentley wanted to know if allowing a lottery would result in legalizing casino-style gaming in the state, with or without further legislative action.
Lawmakers are expected to debate lottery and casino legislation in the 2016 legislative session. While Bentley has not endorsed a gambling proposal, he has said he believes there is more public support for a lottery vote than casinos.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
