- Both Alabama gambling expansion bills failed, marking another year of setback for gambling expansion.
- The bills removed blackjack but would’ve implemented a state lottery and other forms of electronic gaming.
- Alabama residents can still legally play blackjack online with Bovada and other internationally-licensed casinos.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The two Alabama gambling expansion bills failed to pass before the legislative session concluded on Thursday. Although blackjack and sports betting was stripped from the bill, another year with failed gambling expansion is bad for future casino gambling regulation in the state.
Alabama House Bill 151 passed with ease in the House but never reached the Senate floor for a vote. Many residents blame Sen. Greg Albritton for the failure, as he expressed support of the gambling expansion bills early on but didn’t make a vote when the bills came to the Senate.
Alabama Residents Can Still Play Legal Blackjack At Bovada
Casino advocates can rest assured that it’s legal for Alabama residents to play blackjack at Bovada. Bovada is an internationally-licensed casino that offers online gambling to all US states with the exception of Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.
The failure of HB 151 is more detrimental to Alabama, as residents now will take their money to neighboring states. Governor Kay Ivey and the House of Representatives wanted to implement a state lottery with voter approval, but now Alabama will have to wait at least another year before any gambling expansion happens.
The amount of pushback for just a lottery, electronic games of chance, and regulated bingo is a bad sign for the future of sports betting and blackjack for Alabama players at a casino. At least blackjack players can still try for 21 online with live dealers or computer blackjack at Bovada.