Alabama Considering Online Betting
Published January 31, 2021 by Sol FH
According to a new bill, the state of Alabama is considering legal online gambling and land-based sports betting.
Alabama legislators are looking into a new bill that seeks to legalize and regulate online, mobile and land-based sports betting in the state. House Bill 161 was introduced by Representative John Rogers, and if approved, would allow betting on professional and college sports in Alabama.
Alabama punters would potentially be allowed to bet at licensed vendors, or, with legal online and mobile operators. This is big news for a state that bleeds college sports, specifically American football.
Also in the bill is the call to establish the Alabama Sports Wagering Commission to regulate the industry and oversee the licensing process.
The bill proposes that the Commission would be able to approve up to seven licenses, wherein each of the permits would cost an operator $100,000. These licenses would be good for five years, after which the operator would need to pay $100,000 in renewal fees.
The state has also proposed that a 10% tax rate would be incurred on adjusted gross sports betting receipts. This tax would need to be paid in 52 weekly installments.
Sports betting equipment could also be leased through a supplier license, wherein the holder could use the services or equipment of another, licensed holder. The cost of these licenses would be $1,000 annually.
Lastly, the bill outlines the need for a management license, which would give the holder the ability to provide management services for gambling facilities. The cost to apply would be $1,000, then $1,000 each year to renew.
Although just submitted, this bill could be the beginning of an Alabama sports betting market.
