Alabama Sees Rising Debate Over Gambling Legalization with New Candidate Taking a Stand
New Voices Emerge in Alabama’s Gambling Debate
The discussion over gambling legalization in Alabama is intensifying as the upcoming Senate election approaches. Terry Waters, a political newcomer and candidate for Alabama Senate District 22, has clearly expressed his opposition to any effort aimed at expanding legalized gambling within the state. His main political challenger, Senator Greg Albritton, has been a prominent figure advocating for gambling legislation in Alabama for almost ten years.
Terry Waters’ Firm Opposition to Gambling Expansion
Terry Waters has taken a resolute position against gambling expansion, emphasizing that this is an issue he strongly opposes and intends to resist under any circumstance. He has also stated that he would oppose even putting the question of gambling legalization to a public vote statewide.
Waters is an active member of the Baldwin County chapter of the Alabama Farmers Federation, which has endorsed him along with chapters in several neighboring counties, including Mobile, Washington, and Escambia. Although he initially entered the race with an openness to a narrowly defined lottery proposal, Waters concluded that no such clean and limited lottery legislation exists. He believes that all forms of gambling are interconnected and that expanding gambling would lead to insufficient regulation and disproportionately impact vulnerable groups.
The Complex History of Gambling in Alabama
On the other side of the debate, Senator Greg Albritton has been a leading advocate for introducing various forms of gambling in Alabama. His 2024 legislative proposal included establishing a state lottery, permitting up to seven casinos, allowing electronic gaming machines, and negotiating a gaming compact with the Poarch Creek Indians.
In 2025, Albritton followed up with additional legislation forecasting approximately $750 million in annual revenue from the introduction of a lottery, Class II electronic gaming at racetracks, sports betting, and a tribal gaming agreement. He argues that the goal of comprehensive legislation is not to promote gambling but to regulate the gambling activities that are already present in the state.
Currently, Alabama hosts four casinos, three of which are operated by the Poarch Creek Band of Indians. Additionally, “electronic bingo” establishments exist across Alabama, featuring machines that resemble casino slot machines but operate legally under local amendments categorizing them as bingo games.
Other lawmakers in Alabama, such as State Senator Merika Coleman, have also pushed for gambling expansion. Earlier this year, Coleman proposed legislation aimed at allowing Alabama’s voters to decide whether to permit gambling within the state.
Voting and Decision-Making on Gambling
Senator Albritton supports putting the gambling issue before Alabama residents through a vote, including the creation of a lottery to fund education and critical public services. He claims that his opponent, Waters, is opposed to offering voters this choice.
The ongoing debate is expected to continue as the legislation progresses. Even the state’s gubernatorial candidates have become part of the conversation, with recent disclosures revealing that candidate Tommy Tuberville has accepted significant contributions from interests connected to the gambling industry.
