Alabama Lawmaker Target Felony Charges for Illegal Gambling
Alabama lawmakers are seeking to strengthen penalties for individuals found owning illegal gaming operations in the state, with a pre-filed bill to be discussed in the 2025 legislative session.
Under the proposed legislation, fines for operating illegal gambling operations could skyrocket from $6,000 to $15,000.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Proposed by Representative Matthew Hammett, the bill, if passed, could upgrade the charge for operating illegal gambling from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony, accompanied by increased penalties and fines.
Those found guilty of electronic gambling machine possession or other related crimes would face higher felony charges and fines that surpass the current amount in Alabama.
Under the proposed legislation, fines for operating illegal gambling operations could skyrocket from $6,000 to $15,000. Repeat offenders would be charged with a Class B felony, which would result in 2 to 20 years of imprisonment and a $30,000 fine.
According to Hammett, current laws don’t adequately deter re-offenders. He cited a recent case where a convenience store owner in Covington County was caught selling scratch-off tickets. Hammett stated that Opp Police Chief Kevin Chance and the district attorney collaborated to apprehend the offender. However, the offender will likely re-offend within six months, as current laws only allow for "a slap on the wrist."
Unified Framework Solution
While several lawmakers share Hammett’s views, others advocate for a comprehensive bill that provides a unified framework to address the state's illegal gambling operations.
We think the issue of gaming in Alabama should be addressed in a comprehensive manner. So, we can cover all bases as it relates to dealing with illegal gaming — as well as legal gaming — in the state. The problem with not doing a comprehensive proposal to address it and passing a comprehensive proposal — you see a lot of piece mill efforts. And then those efforts are challenged at the Supreme Court and they’re challenging court for years. And we still don’t get what we’re looking for.
More Regulation News
Gaming Expansion Faces Resistance
Currently, Alabama does not legalize gambling, although tribal casinos and horse racing are permitted. While efforts are usually being made to expand legal gambling statewide, progress has been slow due to opposition from conservative groups and concerns about potential social impacts.
The last bill, which would have authorized sports betting and up to seven new casinos in the state, was scaled down and lost traction in the Senate.
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