Does Alabama Have Gambling Casinos

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• Does Alabama Have Gambling Casinos

There are 4 gaming establishments in AL: the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel of Wetumpka, the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel of Atmore, the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel of Montgomery and the Victoryland Casino of Shorter. In total, the State features more than 10,000 slot machines and 15 gaming tables. The bets go to $0.01 to $10. Casino Games: No, there are tribal casinos, however these are limited to class 2 slots and bingo games. Casino table games are not legal under Alabama law. Crossing the Mississippi to gamble in their casinos where these games are feely available is very popular.

An Overview of Gambling Laws in the State Of Alabama

There are no online casinos in Alabama, and there are no indications that it will be legalized soon. Alabama does not even have a state lottery, which often indicates an openness to other forms of betting. The nearest online casinos will be in West Virginia, which has already approved legislation. Tennessee has approved online sports betting.

Alabama has seen religious elements and progressives clash over the subject of gambling for many years. The State constitution has a very wide definition of gambling, and as with most States it bans it all – the difference here is that there are very few exemptions. There are harsh penalties, which get worse on Sundays! Over the years there have been carve-outs for dog and horse racing, and for bingo and slots at tribal casinos. Many Alabamians cross over to Mississippi casinos instead – giving a massive boost to the State coffers of that State. This page covers Alabama gambling laws in depth.

First below you will find a quick-fire history, which will give you an overview and flavor of gambling in Alabama – right up to the present day. After that a game-by-game guide to what is currently legal or banned can be found – followed by a timeline of the legislation controls gambling in this State. At the end of this page you will find a quick summary of the present situation and a look into the possible scenarios for the future.

Alabama Gambling Laws – A Brief History

Alabama shares a lot of colorful gambling history with its neighbor Mississippi. The Steam boat casinos with their card-sharps and other shady characters would have been an amazing experience more than a century ago. Unlike Mississippi, who embraced gambling and now receives substantial revenues from casinos – Alabama has gone the conservative route, and almost all gambling games are illegal in this state.

The 1901 State constitution sets the tone. This defines gambling as any game for financial gain with an element of chance. This means that even games of skill are outlawed if there is an element of chance involved. Poker is the obvious ‘victim’ of this loose interpretation.

Greyhound and horse racing did get an exemption from this definition of gambling. The argument goes that this is entirely based on the skill of both the animal and jockey, and so not a game of chance. Pari-mutuel betting can take place on-track and the races can be enjoyed on TV.

There are tribal casinos in Alabama, though these are heavily restricted in terms of the games they are allowed to offer. There are no table games at all, only slots and bingo-type games. There was a later attempt to introduce electronic bingo games. These were allowed and then quickly withdrawn when a Supreme Court ruling judged them to be covered by that 1901 definition.

The status-quo in Alabama is that gambling remains banned, and those who like to gamble either go to offshore online sites (which are not explicitly illegal, though assumed to be covered by the 1901 act), or hop over the Mississippi. This keeps the religious majority in this State happy – and does give some avenues for those who enjoy gambling.

Alabama Gambling Laws – What Forms Of Gambling Are Currently Legal?

Here is a quick run through of the different gambling formats, including a note on whether they are currently legal according to Alabama law.

Casino Games: No, there are tribal casinos, however these are limited to class 2 slots and bingo games. Casino table games are not legal under Alabama law. Crossing the Mississippi to gamble in their casinos where these games are feely available is very popular.

Online Casinos: No, again there are no laws relating to the online component, though casino gambling is banned and those laws are assumed to cover the internet too.

Live Poker: No, there is no distinction in the laws of this state between poker and other table games like Blackjack. You can play home-games or ‘social poker games’, which are defined as games between friends where the house or organizer takes no profit or rake. The ‘social’ defense has been used in court, though the understanding of residents is that these games are best kept between friends and not widely advertised.

Online Poker: No, there are no specific laws banning online poker. Poker is not seen as a skill game under the definition of gambling games in this state. Any game with some element of chance is considered gambling. There are no indications that Alabama will regulate online poker games any time soon.

Sports Betting: Yes, you can bet on greyhound racing and horse racing at several tracks in Alabama. This form of gambling was exempted from the 1901 laws as a game of skill in 1971. Gambling is via pari-mutuel pools and can be watched on TV.

Lottery Betting: No, there is no State lottery in Alabama, and this State does not participate in any national schemes.

Bingo: Yes, bingo exists at Indian Casinos, though there are currently legal battles going on covering electronic bingo machines. Bingo and raffle games are also legal under charitable gambling laws, under strict license and conditions.

Alabama Gambling Laws – Timeline of Key Statutes

During Civil War times there were lotteries running which included neighboring Southern States. These ended in acrimony, with Louisiana leaving the deal under protest. The current legal situation in Alabama all comes from the State’s constitution enacted in 1901. It is this which paints the broad definition of gambling – and everything since then has revolved around carve-outs or crack-downs based on this initial legal document. Here is the timeline of events.

1901: Alabama State constitution bans all forms of gambling with wording broad enough to encompass just about every game you can think of.

“…stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence…” (From 13A-12-20)

Over the years this definition has been interpreted as covering any game with even an element of chance. For example, some people argue that poker is a game of skill, however since the turning of cards is a chance factor – this is considered gambling under Alabama law.

1971: Pari-Mutuel betting at greyhound racing and horse racing tracks is ruled Legal by the Supreme Court. This is overseen by the Alabama Racing Commission – and has since been extended to betting on televised live races.

1980: Charitable bingo gambling begins.

1988: Casinos are made legal on tribal territories within Alabama by the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. These casinos are restricted to slot machines and some type of Bingo games. This leads to the opening of 3 tribal casinos in this State – though most residents simply travel to Mississippi to enjoy the table games which are still banned under Alabaman law.

In more recent years there have been attempts to restart a State lottery, to have electronic bingo machines in the current casinos and a crack-down on video poker machines. While these have been debated in the courts and State government – each time the 1901 law has stood up. As far as gambling is concerned, if there is an element of chance – then it is banned.

One bright note for Alabamans, there has so far been no individual indicted for enjoying gambling online – nor any debate on this by the State government.

Alabama Gambling Laws – Summary And Look To The Future

Every time a change to the laws or an exclusion from them has been attempted – the 1901 wording has prevailed. With the sole exception of dog and horse racing, gambling looks like it will remain limited in Alabama for the foreseeable future. I do not see this State regulating online poker at any point in the future.

Useful Resources:

Alabama Racing Commissions

Interesting Timeline

• http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/02/the_history_of_gambling_in_ala.html

Statutes

Among the states with a severe stance against gambling, this one ranks in the first three. Pro-gambling law-makers struggle greatly with biased popular opinions, any timid bills that were sent towards debate, being strongly rebuffed. The majority of people has a profound religious and traditional system of beliefs. Making us wonder: is there a casino in Alabama, or not even that? Also, on debating the opportunity of developing an online casino Alabama seems like an impossible market to penetrate, a distant, faraway dream, for Internet wagering enthusiasts and USA online gambling industry at all.

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Contents

Alabama Online Gambling Laws

As a general aspect of the state’s legislation, changes move on rather slow. There are a couple of laws that don’t shock so much on account of their lack of logic, but because of their anachronic state, seeing how they don’t represent the current modern society. For example, regarding the actual governing laws on gambling Alabama still follows the same ones written in 1901. The same time that the law, still in effect, stated that it is considered an offence to open an umbrella on the street, for fear of spooking horses.
The Alabama society is made out of highly traditional and religious people, with strong and immovable beliefs. Most laws were passed in the Puritan spirit that this state was famous for in the past, no matter how out of place they feel during this era. Another active law says it’s illegal to wear a fake moustache in a church because it might cause laughter. Debate on new AL casino seems like it might be topped by other, more pressing regulations.
It is illegal to howl at ladies within the city limits in Mobile, AL. At the same time, one of the three active gambling casinos is in Mobile, Alabama. However, were it not for the Indian reservations, these wouldn’t exist as well.
At all, there are no laws related to online gambling regarding to playing mobile slots that pay cash. You can find more from this video:

Gambling Laws

Contrary to most expectations, the question if are there any casinos in Alabama, has a positive answer. There are actually three gambling casinos in Alabama. But this is far from considering it’s a hub for gambling in Alabama. Matter of fact, there could hardly be found a broader definition of gambling than this state proposes. So, any outcome in the form of a valuable result that was due to action not under your direct control is considered wagering. This could mean from investment banking to the growing of crops on account of suited weather. However, Alabama gambling lawsalso offer the harshest punishments for perpetrators which own, organize or enable such type of games.

A View on Online Gambling

Current Situation and Perspectives

There have hardly been accepted the three Alabama casinos with table games on the state’s territory. And this is mostly on account of them being protected under federal law. There has never been a bill submitted for online casinos in Alabama and the perspective on it becoming a hot topic for lawmakers to discuss, is far away from becoming a real issue. But offshore online casino Bovada is legal to play in Alabama as other offshore casinos.

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Other Options

Since Alabama casinos online are out of the question, for now, there has to be another option to quench the thirst of people for Alabama gambling. Some websites, which are based mostly in other more permissive countries, have agreed to accept betting by US players. They found a loophole in the judicial system which states punishments for the owners of online casinos Alabama-based, but none at all for the players. Therefore, wagering can be done without a trace of fear, especially on those websites verified, reviewed and vouched for, by specialized sites.

Wagering Do’s and Don’ts in AL

There are more restrictions than in most US states regarding gambling. It’s disputable if any casinos in Alabama would have even been allowed, if not for the federal protection of Native Americans. As for poker in AL, be careful even at hosting a friendly get-together amongst friends.

Land-based

The hub of stateside betting is represented by Mobile Alabama casino gambling. With one of the best casino in Alabama, close by, the Wind Creek Atmore, owned by Poarch Band of Creek Indians. They have almost a monopoly in the state, though not by far the same way the Seminoles control gambling in Florida. The Creeks own two more establishments, all based on slot machines, and a couple more in neighbouring states. There aren’t any casinos in Alabama with table games, just slots.

Lottery

Among the Alabama gaming laws that were categorically refused was that of a state lottery introduction. If that is the view on the most extensive sort of betting country-wide, there is no surprise on the stance on online casino Alabama.

Betting Tracks

Among the few places to gamble, we include dog racing betting and pari-mutuel wagers. Simulcast is allowed only in closed racinos with just one left with live races. Some might view the simulcast as being a first step towards the opening of an Alabama casino online, but given the general context, it’s unlikely.

Bingo Halls

If we want to expand the Alabama casino list, we can include bingo halls, allowed only in specified counties such as Greene and Macon. It’s true that they aren’t by far what an Alabama gambling casino should be about, but nevertheless, seeing how they were regulated in 2008, they might be considered a huge leap in legislating gambling.

Social Gaming

A subject that is to be threaded extra carefully. For example, MGM offers a free version where players can win points for each play. On account of having the option to use these reward points in the closest casino near Alabama, the Beau Rivage in Mississippi, this is forbidden. Also, private card games have been known to be raided by the local sheriff which get to decide whether or not is gambling legal in Alabama. No Alabama online casinos potential operator wants to risk upsetting law enforcement this strict.

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❓ What is the legal status of gambling AL?

There are a few places where it is allowed, such as the near Mobile Alabama casinos, bingo halls, or dog tracks. Online casinos in Alabama have zero shots at being implemented in the near future.

❓ Are there any legal means of gambling in AL?

Yes. There are a couple of casinos in Alabama slot machines specialized, some dog tracks and bingo halls. But are there casinos in Alabama with table games? The answer is no. And seeing how Alabama online casinos are also off the grid, the only option remaining is gambling on verified and closely reviewed offshore online casinos.

❓ What is the minimum legal gambling age in Alabama?

19 is the gambling age required in any Alabama casino. However, we would advise when playing online to respect the USA online casinos general minimum age of 21.

❓ Am I prohibited in depositing or withdrawing money from online casinos AL?

AL online casinos assure that you receive your money regardless of the state of provenance. Indeed, if you reside in Alabama the casino online where you’ve gambled might take extra measures of precaution before sending your winnings, in order to prevent any fraudulent happening.

❓ Any future signs for laws regarding gambling becoming laxer?

New casinos in Alabama are an issue that holds a reduced interest for lawmakers. AL online casinos are nowhere in sight at this moment.

Does Alabama Have Gambling Casinos Closed

❓ Does Alabama have casinos to be opened soon?

Does Alabama Have Gambling Casinos Slot Machines

Considering what casinos are in Alabama and the view on gambling expansion, there is a low chance for any new casino in Alabama, as well as for the development of Alabama casinos online.

Does Alabama Have Gambling Casinos

Additional Sources:

https://whnt.com/2018/05/14/will-supreme-courts-ruling-affect-alabama-gambling-laws/
https://www.alabamapolicy.org/research/strengthening-alabamas-gambling-laws/