Bill > SB257

This bill proposes an amendment to the Alabama Constitution that would allow the Legislature, through general law, to authorize and regulate various gaming activities, including a state lottery, casino-style games played in person, and sports wagering conducted in person or online, with any other gaming activity requiring a three-fifths legislative vote. It also establishes a commission within the executive branch to license and oversee these activities, including a law enforcement division to combat illegal gaming. The amendment would prevent future state constitutional amendments that apply to less than the entire state from taking effect regarding gaming, and it specifically authorizes the Governor to negotiate a "Tribal-State compact" with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for the operation of certain games and sports wagering on their tribal lands, as permitted by federal law (the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act). This compact negotiation includes a waiver of the state's immunity to lawsuits in federal court for disputes arising from the compact, provided the tribe also agrees to federal court jurisdiction. The bill also outlines the process for putting this proposed amendment to a vote of the people.