Alabama

Alabama has taken a conservative approach to all forms of gambling. For instance, unlike the surrounding states of Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Mississippi, Alabama is the only one that has not authorized a state lottery.

Still, the Alabama Constitution does permit pari-mutuel wagering, fantasy sports contests, and charitable bingo. Three tribal Alabama casinos are also available, run by a federally recognized tribe that has signed a compact with the state. These three tribal casinos are the entirety of the state-sanctioned casino options

You can get more details about Alabama gambling sites in this article below, although fans of online casino gambling should know that it is not technically legal in Alabama.

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Although technically not legal, players from the state are increasingly turning to online gambling and casinos for convenience, selection, and advantages over their land-based counterparts.

This is why our experts want to help Alabamians find safe and trustworthy online casinos and casino bonuses, like the ones listed below. If you’re new to online casinos, you may not know what to look out for. We can definitely help!

Alabama Online Gambling & Sportsbooks in 2022

As of 2022 there are currently no legal online sportsbook or online gambling options available for players in Alabama. Although neighbouring states have recently legalised, opportunities to do so in Alabama have fallen short.

Whilst legal sports betting may be likely in the future, there is currently no legislation on the table looking to be passed in the near future.

Best Bonuses in Alabama Casinos

The famous casino bonus is one of the best parts of an online casino. It comes in different shapes and sizes – some better than others! For fans of online casino gambling, knowing your casino bonuses is a sensible step.

The better online casinos gambling bonuses award more bonus money and free spins with fair bonus terms and conditions, including low wagering requirements.

Finding the best bonus

Alabama casino players online can now find the best bonuses in Alabama casinos here under one roof. These offer bigger, and better free spins bonuses, deposit bonuses, and some even offer no deposit bonuses.

It can be hard to decide which casino to choose, so our in-house expert guides will help you choose the right one.

Best Online Casinos in Alabama

Unless you live next door to one of Alabama’s 3 tribal casinos, your best option to play at new casinos in Alabama is likely online. US dollar & Bitcoin Alabama casinos that accept players from Alabama are a great alternative. Making USD & BTC deposits and withdrawals have never been faster or easier using convenient casino payment methods.

To help get you started, we’ve put together our list of top new casinos in Alabama. A casino needs to be licensed to make it here and offer a great selection of casino games: slots, specialty casino games, and table games. Of course, there are other criteria that we take you through in detail.

Alabama Gambling Overview

The “Cotton State” of Alabama’s constitution prohibits most forms of gambling in Alabama. Those that remain legal also remain largely unregulated and untaxed. These include a patchwork of simulcast pari-mutuel off-track betting in four counties: Greene, Mobile, Macon, and Birmingham.

Although live horse racing is no longer available due to dwindling interest, Alabamians can bet on simulcast races from other states such as Kentucky.

Legalized charity bingo, meeting the definition of “traditionally or commonly,” is available in 16 counties. These must meet a six-part test developed by the Supreme Court to qualify, including player interaction/participation and use (mostly) paper-based cards.

The ‘skill-based’ games of fantasy sports betting and daily fantasy sports betting are available statewide since 2019.

TRIBAL CASINOS

Alabama has 3 legal Indian tribal casinos offering electronic bingo and slots-like bingo machines to patrons. Lotteries are illegal in Alabama, making it one of just five states to prohibit the activity alongside Nevada, Hawaii, Utah, and Alaska.

Other forms of gambling, including traditional sports betting, commercial casinos, and classic casino games, are prohibited in Alabama.

No legal infrastructure

Interestingly, Alabama has no statewide regulator to oversee gambling.

Alabama is bordered by four states that offer at least one form of gambling. Evidence suggests that Alabamians are not shy of crossing the border to participate.

Legal Online Gambling (Fantasy Sports & Pari-Mutuel)

Online and mobile daily fantasy sports and fantasy sports have been legal to players 19+ in Alabama since 2019. Players pay a fee to create imaginary teams consisting of real players and win cash prizes depending on individual performances. The two largest providers are FanDuel and DraftKings.

Off-track betting online is also legal in Alabama for players 18+, applying to horses and greyhounds (though live betting is no longer available). Alabamians can still participate through simulcast broadcasts from other states.

Land-Based Casinos

Alabama law prohibits commercial casinos. However, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the only federally recognized native tribe, legally operates three casinos offering electronic bingo and bingo resembling slots. Players must be 21 or over. These are located at the following locations:

Casino	Address	Website
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore	303 Poarch Rd. Atmore, AL 36502	www.windcreekatmore.com
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery	1801 Eddie Tullis Rd. Montgomery, AL 36117	www.indiangaming.com
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka	100 River Oaks Dr. Wetumpka, AL 36092	www.indiangaming.com

Although Alabama recognizes eight other tribes, these are not federally recognized and thus are not permitted to operate tribal casinos.

Alabama Casinos Map

 

 

Pari-Mutuel Dog & Horse Race Betting

Although horse and greyhound racing was phased out in 2020 due to lack of interest, pari-mutuel racing is still available, simulcast from other states.

Charity Bingo in Alabama

At present, charity bingo for money or prizes in Alabama is available in 16 counties. It is provided on-premises and operated by non-profit organizations. Players must be 18 and over.

State of Alabama Gambling Laws

Article IV, Section 65 of the Constitution prohibits most forms of AL gambling sites. It states, “The legislature shall have no power to authorize lotteries or gift enterprises for any purposes, and shall pass laws to prohibit the sale in this state of lottery or gift enterprise tickets, or tickets in any scheme in the nature of a lottery.”

Alabama state has seen litigation concerning attempts to change gambling laws for decades. Policymakers have been stifled from making changes to gambling laws. The Alabama Legislature has some power to alter statutory regulations. Still, any meaningful constitutional amendment on AL gambling sites would require a vote by the people.

Present legislation

At present, poker rooms, bank card casino games, full-service commercial or tribal casinos in Alabama (Class III), single-game sports betting, state lottery, and multijurisdictional lottery are prohibited.

Tribal gaming

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (1988) governs gambling on Indian reserves or trust-held lands held by the federal government.

On February 14, 2020, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued Executive Order No. 719. In it, he requested a gambling policy report from the Governor’s Study Group. It would be submitted on December 31, 2020. While stopping short of recommendations, it recognized opportunities to maximize gaming revenue through a policy shift.

Alabama Betting History

A legislative Act in 1971 led to the creation of the Birmingham Racing Commission, Greene County Racing Commission, Macon County Racing Commission, and Mobile Racing Commission. Cities of 300,000+ people, by law, can hold a referendum to decide whether to allow pari-mutuel horseracing and greyhound racing. Some racetracks also offer electronic bingo machines, but their legality remains questionable. In 2015, the Supreme Court overturned a previous ruling leading to the destruction of over 1,200 electronic bingo machines and over $200,000 in confiscated cash from VictoryLand.

Charity bingo in 16 counties supporting religious groups, educational institutions, and non-profits was legalized between 1980 and 2004.

State Lottery

In 1999, Alabama rejected a proposed lottery that would help fund education. Since that time, the legislature has been introduced to over 180 gambling bills – including 5 in 2020.

In 2019, skill-based games were legalized, which allowed fantasy sports and daily fantasy sports. This was in reaction to the 2018 Supreme Court decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 that banned sports betting.  The classification as “skilled-based” rather than “chance” was and remains controversial.

Alabama Gambling FAQ

What is the legal gambling age in Alabama?

The legal gambling age at tribal casinos in Alabama is 21. The fantasy sports and pari-mutuel betting legal age is 19, followed by charity gaming at 18.

Are Tribal Casinos legal in Alabama?

Alabama has three federally-recognized Indian tribes that are permitted to offer tribal gambling at brick and mortar casinos in the shape of electronic bingo machines and slots-like bingo.

Are Online Casino Games legal in Alabama?

No, online casinos are not currently legal in Alabama. As of this moment, there is no legislation on the horizon to permit online casinos in Alabama. This is not to say online casino games don’t have their backers, but as of this moment, legislation is not expected.

In most neighboring states, there are no online casinos, and given how there tends to be a domino effect in these matters, Alabama seems some way away from legalising online casinos.

Is state lotteries or interstate lotteries in Alabama?

No, at present, Alabama state lotteries and interstate lotteries are considered illegal. Taking this into account, it would be naive to expect Alabama online casinos any time soon. Even a majority of states without online casinos usually have some form of state lottery, so expecting a bill permitting online casinos and legal online gambling to make its way through state congress seems a long shot.

Is online sports betting legal in Alabama?

No, Alabama has not legalized online sports betting in the state. Like online casino games, it seems unlikely to be legalized any time soon. Progress can be sudden, though, so there’s always a chance that Alabama online casinos could be permitted some time in the future.

What are the legal forms of gambling in Alabama?

Charity bingo is permitted in 16 Alabama counties that have approved it in a referendum. Electronic bingo machines and slots-like bingo are legal at 3 Tribal Casinos. Fantasy sports and daily fantasy sports are allowed statewide. Pari-mutuel off-track racing is legal in 4 counties offering simulcast broadcasts from other states.

Is online gambling legal in Alabama?

The only legal forms of online gambling in Alabama are daily fantasy sports, fantasy sports, and pari-mutuel betting.

Conclusion

Unless you’re willing to make the trek to Florida, Mississippi, or one of the 3 tribal casinos in the state, your options in Alabama are relatively limited. Although online gambling represents a grey area, it doesn’t mean players from Alabama are out of luck! Fortunately, finding safe online gambling casino options is possible, including the ones recommended above.

As gambling laws in Alabama continue to evolve, we expect that the choice will continue to grow. Therefore, we invite you to visit our page periodically for updates. If Alabama online casinos become a legal means of betting, we’ll carry that news here.