Chris Boline
Earlier this year, countless people who were hoping for Alabama sports betting were left upset with the news that legislation shot things down. There was so much hope, but it was all for not. Now, though, an Alabama Senator is all-in for legal sports betting, which is obviously fantastic to see. According to a report, Senator Greg Albritton indeed wants to bring sports betting to the state, as he knows just how important it is.
Albritton was fired up when he found out that things wouldn’t be going forward in 2022 – which of course was the general feeling for so many people in Alabama. Albritton was hopeful that things would be ready to rock as soon as possible, but now it’s looking like things may not come until 2024 for Alabama. Despite that, Albritton is going to be outspoken about trying to bring betting to the local citizens.
“I’m doing all that I know to do,” Albritton said recently via the World Sports Network. “I’m still trying to work with House members and reach out to the governor’s office to find out where we are and to draw a consensus. I think there’s a recognition that there’s a need that Alabama take control of this industry. The requirement that Alabama needs to benefit from the gaming that’s already going on.”
Those are some passionate words from Albritton, as he knows the importance of sports gambling for the state. At this point, there’s really no reason for things to not be rocking already. So many sports fans would love to be able to check out the different sports betting odds and place their wagers. However, with things dying on the table for Alabama earlier this year for sports betting, so many hearts broke. Albritton wants to make things right.
The year is 2022 and sports betting is legal everywhere in the U.S. except:
Alabama
Alaska
California
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Vermont— Sam McQuillan (@sam_mcquill) July 25, 2022
Alabama betting indeed may not come until 2024
Despite Albritton’s energy and positivity, remember that Alabama betting indeed may not come until 2024. As things stand, there’s nothing that’s going to be presented on the November 2022 ballot. Because of this, it means that people would then have to wait until November of 2023, the following ballot, for anything to be looked at closely and voted on. After that, then the wheels would go in motion for betting.
The thought of Alabama having to wait until 2024 really is devastating. It really doesn’t look like any last-minute changes will be coming for the 2022 ballot either. This has only added to the frustration for people out there. It goes without saying, but football betting would be massive for people in the state, as the NCAAF odds would be checked out consistently for some of the top teams out there.
Obviously – as we’ve said before – this includes the University of Alabama, Auburn, and more. Alabama has been to the National Championship Game in back-to-back years, and they sure have what it takes to get there once again next season. With Heisman winner Bryce Young back and running the offense, the Crimson Tide have natty hopes, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them get that done. Young is easily projected to be a first-round pick in the next NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, for Auburn, they’re always a threat in the SEC. They are built around a strong defense, and people have the Iron Bowl already circled on their calendars. Imagine if people were able to bet on that game? It’s one of the biggest and best rivalry games out there, with college football betting fans across the globe ready to get in on the action. People in Alabama are likely going to have to wait for the ’24 game in order to dip their toes in that kind of a bet.
Bama 3x ❌ Watch List@WalterCampFF
#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/ArlrI9EmbC— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) July 29, 2022
Alabama is losing millions without sports betting
As we’ve said time and time again, Alabama is losing millions without sports betting in place. This is the same for all of the other states out there that haven’t moved forward with betting. We’re seeing more states move forward with things later this year. And even more, will be joining the list for 2023. However, for Alabama to potentially sit on its hands until 2024 is inexcusable. They’re not alone, though.
When it comes to Florida sports betting, the strong belief is that things might be delayed to 2024 as well. With these two southern states being held back, it’s a pain for all of their citizens, who now have to travel elsewhere to place their bets. In the south particularly, Mississippi has taken advantage of the Florida/Alabama delays, as they have sports betting and are bringing in plenty of visitors.
This is of course, great news for their local businesses, as the influx of visitors means more people going to their shops and restaurants. That’s only a positive for the Mississippi owners. However, this should be the case for people in Alabama and Florida too. We’ll see if things change here soon, but for now, people can fully expect to have to wait until 2024. Again, that’s just rough to see.
