Tuberville Won't Block Gambling Bill, but the Legislature Is Pushing Back

Republican Tommy Tuberville said he would not stand in the way of efforts to legalize gambling if he is elected governor of Alabama. However, the state legislature is divided on the issue, and that division could seriously obstruct the effort.

The Alabama Constitution bans the state legislature from allowing any new form of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, and sports betting. Changing this rule requires voters to approve a constitutional amendment in a statewide referendum. Before the legislature can put the proposal to a referendum, it must win a three-fifths majority, or 60 percent support, in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The legislature is controlled by Republicans. The party holds 27 of the Senate's 35 seats and 76 of the House's 105 seats. Opinion polls show that Alabamians want to vote on the issue. Even so, many lawmakers in Montgomery oppose a referendum, citing their religious beliefs.

Tuberville, a former head coach of the Auburn Tigers, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2021. He is running for governor in next Tuesday's election and has long been seen as the favorite. However, polls showing a closer race against Democratic opponent Doug Jones have emerged. A poll by Chism Strategies, which leans Democratic, shows Tuberville leading by three points, and the firm described the race as "a real head-to-head battle."

Tuberville's campaign donations include $130,000 from VGW, an online social gambling site. The company continues to operate its platforms despite Alabama's gambling ban. Tuberville said he will not actively support gambling until the full agenda is clear.