As of last week, the fate of gambling in Alabama is in the hands of a conference committee made up of State Reps. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City) and Sam Jones (D-Mobile) and State Sens. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) and Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro).
According to State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), the problem is that the views on gambling among those conferees may not reflect the consensus view on gambling within their respective chambers.
During an appearance on Huntsville radio WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," Orr warned that a Frankenstein creation from the conference committee was possible given the desire to appease gambling lobbyists.
He said because of that, in the end, the Senate and House would be too far apart in terms of the final outcome.
"It's certainly not personal," he said. "It's not us versus them, and we have to win. The idea is if we're going to expand casino gambling and sports betting, that loses five, six, seven votes in the Senate, and you're nowhere close the 21 votes that you have to have to pass the package."
Later in the interview, host Dale Jackson asked about the chances of success.
"Right now, I'd say between 20 and 30%," Orr replied.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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