MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) The Mega Millions jackpot drawing tonight is $660 million, but Alabamians wont have a shot at the prize without crossing state lines. <\/p>\n
The next legislative session brings a new four-year term for lawmakers, and a new opportunity to pass a lottery bill. <\/p>\n
I hope so. I hope I can, Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) said. <\/p>\n
Albrittons comprehensive gambling bill last session failed to pass. It wouldve legalized a lottery, established a limited number of casinos and created a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians. <\/p>\n
Albritton says he hopes the next session is more successful.<\/p>\n
Im doing all that I know to do. Im still trying to work with House members and reach out to the governors office to find out where we are and to draw a consensus, Albritton said. <\/p>\n
Gov. Kay Ivey said earlier this year her biggest regret of last session was that lawmakers didnt pass a gambling bill that would give voters the choice on the ballot. <\/p>\n
Political analyst Steve Flowers predicts this next session could be the year since theres no election looming. <\/p>\n
The reason it didnt pass or be addressed this last year was because it was an election year. The first year of the four-year term is when things like this are addressed, so thats what makes it more likely this will be the year, Flowers said. <\/p>\n
Though it wont be an election year, Albritton says there will be other hurdles.<\/p>\n
Theres an argument to that effect, Im not sure if thatll have any bearing. Well have a lot of new people yes, and the education process not only on this but on other bills will be important for the newcomers to get a grasp of, Albritton said. <\/p>\n
Albritton says Alabama needs to regulate gambling and benefit from revenue that is currently going to other states. <\/p>\n
I think theres a recognition that theres a need that Alabama take control of this industry. The requirement that Alabama needs to benefit from the gaming thats already going on, Albritton said. <\/p>\n
Alabama is one of just five states without a lottery. The legislative session will start on the first Tuesday in March 2023.<\/p>\n
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Original post:<\/p>\n
AL lawmaker will bring lottery and gambling legislation to next session - WRBL<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MONTGOMERY, Ala. Continue reading