Alabama Gambling Reform Returns to Focus as Rep. Ensler Signals a Push as Lieutenant Governor

Gambling expansion could be back on the table in 2026 as state Rep. Phillip Ensler has indicated he would push for gambling legislation if elected lieutenant governor, framing the issue as both a quality-of-life and revenue matter for the state.

Ensler’s remarks mark one of the first high-profile signals that debate over sports betting, a state lottery, and expanded gaming rights could resurface, even as legislative efforts in 2025 failed to gain traction.

Ensler: Gambling Reform as Part of Improving Quality of Life

During an interview with the Alabama Political Reporter, Ensler explained his general policy priorities, including healthcare, education, and mental health. He then turned to the subject of gambling. Ensler framed the issue as one where the lieutenant governor’s office could help restart stalled conversations.

He described using the lieutenant governor’s office as a “bully pulpit” to facilitate discussions and foster consensus on gambling legislation.
On gaming reform specifically, Ensler said:

“I hear from people all over the state — Democrat, Republican, white, black, poor, more affluent — that say it’s crazy that we don’t have a state lottery … we’re missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars that could be used for education or … healthcare.”

Ensler clarified that he would not pressure lawmakers to support gambling legalization or “bully them into it in a bad way, but in a positive way of saying, ‘Hey, let’s put our heads together and figure this out.’”

Alabama’s Gambling Landscape is One of the Most Limited

Alabama is one of only a few states without a state lottery. The closest it got to legalizing it was in 1999, when voters rejected it in a referendum.

The state also does not have any commercial casino gaming or sports betting. Gambling activity is limited to tribal Class II casinos operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which offer slot-like electronic bingo.

Any expansion would require the state legislature to pass a constitutional amendment, which would then be subject to voter approval.

2024: Alabama’s Most Serious Gambling Push Fell Apart at the Finish Line

The most significant recent attempt to overhaul Alabama’s gambling laws came in 2024. That year, the House led a legislative push and passed two comprehensive gambling bills. The bills included the addition of a lottery, sports betting, commercial casinos, and allowing tribal casinos to operate as full-scale casinos.

However, the Senate rejected the measures. Instead, the chamber introduced an alternative proposal. It included the lottery and allowed existing tribal casinos to operate as full-scale casinos. However, it removed sports betting and commercial casinos, replacing them with off-track betting and historical horse racing machines.

In response, the House rejected the Senate’s proposal. The two chambers then formed a bicameral conference committee to work out a compromise. The committee reached a compromise that primarily removed sports betting from the package.

The House passed the compromise, but the Senate rejected it by one vote, killing the effort.

2025: Momentum Fades, No Vote Materializes

The failure at the finish line led many to believe that it could happen in 2025. However, the year saw little movement.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians continued to advocate for gambling reform and indicated a willingness to work with lawmakers. However, several of the key figures in the 2024 push acknowledged that there’s not enough support.

Still, lawmakers introduced competing bills that included provisions such as sports betting and a lottery. However, they stalled in committees.

That’s primarily due to the Senate leadership indicating that the chamber won’t entertain gambling bills due to higher priority issues.

Looking Ahead: Ensler Frames Gambling as a 2026 Issue

Ensler’s comments come as attention begins to shift toward 2026. It’s unknown whether lawmakers in either chamber would revisit the issue, with the House indicating that the Senate must initiate a proposal.

If Ensler does secure the lieutenant governor, he would become the president of the Alabama Senate. However, he would not assume the role until 2027. That means his influence in 2026 would be limited to agenda-setting and campaign-level positioning rather than direct legislative action.

As a result, 2026 could become another transitional year for gambling reform in Alabama, particularly as lawmakers focus on statewide and legislative campaigns.