MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Legislature adjourned for the final time in the 2026 legislative session on Thursday, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle couldn’t avoid talking about the state’s long and sordid history of trying to legalize gambling.
The last serious attempt at a gambling bill and lottery constitutional amendment fell one vote short of passing the Senate in 2024 after passing the House. No serious attempts have been made since then, and the likelihood of lawmakers tackling the issue at the end of a quadrennium was nil.
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Despite the lack of legislative effort, the topic of gambling continues to be a major talking point in the upcoming state elections.
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Of all the upcoming statewide elections, all eyes are on the gubernatorial race with current Gov. Kay Ivey leaving after serving her final term.
In a blood-red state like Alabama, the Republican nominee is the assumed winner of the general election, and the clear frontrunner in the Republican primary is current U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn).
Speaking with reporters minutes after the legislature gaveled out on Thursday, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) gave an ambiguous answer about the future of a lottery constitutional amendment, saying it mainly depends on who claims the governor’s seat.
“I think every state around us has got one, and I know it’s something that, when we poll, it polls high,” Ledbetter said. “People just want the opportunity, so I can’t say where it’s going to go. With everything I see and the numbers I see, Coach Tuberville’s probably going to be the next governor. I think it has a lot to do with whoever’s sitting in the chair across the road and what they want to do and how they want to do it.”
Ledbetter went on to say that he and Tuberville were good friends, stating he was “excited” at the prospect of seeing him in the seat.
Whenever previously asked, Tuberville has left the topic somewhat open-ended.
“It's going to be up to the people," Tuberville said previously. "The legislature has got to do it first, no matter what it is. And then, of course, the ... Alabama people and the referendum will have to vote on this. Now, I'm not going to allow people to come in that run these lottery associations."
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