Alabama Sports Betting

Editor’s note: As of Jan 12, 2021

What Alabama lacks in legal sports betting, it more than makes up for it in fervent sports fandom for the state’s college teams – especially the dominant University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

But that could change – emphasis on the word “could.”

In April 2019, state Rep. John Rogers, D-District 52, introduced HB336, a bill that would legalize sports betting in the Bible Belt state.

Unfortunately, its chances of becoming law are slim as Alabama has yet to even approve a state lottery.

The bill as introduced would allow retail and mobile betting, have a 10 percent tax rate on gross revenue, create an Alabama Sports Wagering Commission and allow seven licenses to venues with pari-mutuel wagering – which right now is a greyhound track in Birmingham. Eutaw, Mobile, and Macon have off-track betting. The bill doesn’t mention the tribal casinos which are operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The bill is sitting in the state House Economic Development and Tourism Committee and should come up for consideration in the next legislative session that begins in early 2020.

So, Roll Tide, slowly.

Is there any way to legally bet on the Crimson Tide or Auburn Tigers?

Neighboring Mississippi has more than 20 casinos with active sports betting sites. A road trip across the state line and a visit to the closest casino will let you bet on the Tide, Tigers, or any other college or professional team in the country. Traditional mobile betting is not available, but many casinos have apps that can be accessed on property.

What about Horse Racing?

Betting on horse racing, thanks to the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 it is possible. You are legally allowed to bet with certain operators in the state of Alabama, one of which is Twinspires who are linked below.