Compliance Updates
Alabama Lawmakers Push Sweeping Gambling Bill That Would Allow Lottery and Casinos
A group of Alabama lawmakers unveiled a sweeping gambling bill last week that could authorize a state lottery and 10 casinos across the conservative Deep South state as some Republicans look to get the question before voters in November.
Alabama is one of few states without a state lottery, after lawmakers in 1999 rejected a proposal to allow one. And unlike neighboring Mississippi, the state has been resistant to full-fledged casinos with table games and slot machines. Lawmakers estimate the proposal could provide more than $800 million in annual revenue to the state.
If approved by three-fifths of lawmakers, the proposal would be put on the ballot for voters to decide.
“We believe that people deserve the right to vote on this issue,” said Republican Rep. Andy Whitt, who led a group of legislators who worked on the bill.
The gambling bill, now backed by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, was among several controversial measures put forward by lawmakers to kick off the legislative session. A committee advanced legislation that would make it a crime to return another person’s absentee ballot, a restriction Republican supporters said they want to enact before the November presidential election.
A draft of the gambling legislation was distributed to lawmakers last week and supporters said the bill could be up for a vote in committee and on the House floor as soon as this week, depending upon support. Republican backers of the bill will need to whip votes from within their ranks and also win the votes of a substantial number of Democratic lawmakers.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” Republican Rep. Chris Blackshear, who will sponsor the bill, said of efforts to get the needed 63 votes to pass the bill in the Republican-dominated House.
Several lawmakers from both sides on the aisle said they needed more time to review the bill before determining how they will vote.
Supporters pitched the bill as a means to crack down on small electronic gambling machines that have cropped up in convenience stores and small gambling halls. The state has been in a long-running legal battle to shut down electronic bingo machines, which have whirling displays that make them resemble slot machines. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who are not under state jurisdiction, have three sites with the slot machine lookalikes.
The proposed constitutional amendment would allow a state lottery, seven new casino sites, sports betting and also authorize the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that would enable the tribe to offer casino games at their three existing locations. The tribe would also be able to offer such games at a new casino site in north Alabama that could attract customers from Tennessee and Georgia.
Lottery proceeds would go to education programs such as scholarships for two-year community and technical colleges and dual enrollment. Casino and sports betting revenue would go to the general fund, where lawmakers would decide each year how to allocate it.
The controversial bill to enact absentee ballot restrictions would make it a misdemeanor to deliver someone else’s absentee completed ballot or distribute an absentee ballot application prefilled with someone else’s name. It would be a felony to give and receive payment for helping people vote absentee.
Supporters say the change is needed to combat voter fraud, but opponents say it would discourage voting by absentee ballot.
Republican Sen. Garlan Gudger said the bill would stop bad actors “trying to steal our elections”. Gudger said the bill was changed from an initial version that sparked heated debate last year and would have largely prohibited any help with absentee ballots.
Democrats on the committee and opponents who spoke at a public hearing, questioned the need for the bill.
“This bill doesn’t just erect barriers, it obliterates the bridge connecting disenfranchised citizens to their democratic right to vote,” said Tari Williams, who works with a Birmingham-based nonprofit that works with low-income people.
The same committee last week delayed a vote on legislation that would regulate which flags could be displayed outside public property in Alabama. The bill listed certain flags such as the American flag, state and city flags and others that would be allowed. A Democratic lawmaker questioned the need for the bill and language suggesting flags from previous governments would be allowed.
“Are we going to put the Confederate flag all over? The Spanish flag?” asked Sen. Linda Coleman Madison, a Democrat from Birmingham. “It looks like this is opening up a can of worms,” she added.
Compliance Updates
HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network
HIPTHER, a leading media and events brand in the Gaming and Tech industries, has launched a new Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool, now live across all of its gaming media platforms. This quick, anonymous self-test is designed to help players better understand their relationship with gambling, encouraging safer play through awareness and early self-checks.
The “Play Responsibly” tool is backed by clinical research and built with user privacy at its core, based on the globally recognized Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) – a 9-question framework used to assess gambling risk levels, from low to moderate or high.
No sign-up needed. No Cost. No data collected. No Judgement. Just honest insight.
Whether you’re simply curious or looking to take a proactive step toward support, this free tool delivers instant results and practical next steps – all in under two minutes.
Key Features:
- Completely anonymous – no registration or personal data required
- Instant results with tailored guidance
- Available in 5 languages
- Mobile-first and accessible across all devices
- Fully GDPR compliant
Designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, the tool ensures a smooth and inclusive user experience for everyone. With multilingual support and local resource integration, it helps diverse populations connect with trusted support networks in their region.
“While our media platforms primarily serve the B2B side of the industry, we know they’re also visited by players looking for insights and updates. That’s why it’s important for us to go beyond headlines and contribute real tools that support safer play. This assessment is one small, meaningful step toward that.” – Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER.
Take the assessment today and share it with your community.
Because gambling should always be safe, informed, and fun.
Try it now on any of HIPTHER’s gaming media platforms:
By launching this tool, HIPTHER reaffirms its ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, responsibility, and player well-being in the global gaming industry. Together with our partners and audiences, we continue working toward a safer, more informed future for players everywhere.
Aristocrat Gaming and Hasbro announced that Aristocrat Gaming is the winner of a competitive RFP to create MONOPOLY slot games for worldwide land-based gaming venues, securing a multi-year agreement. The landmark partnership will see Aristocrat Gaming launch all-new MONOPOLY-themed slot titles, beginning in early 2026. The company is excited to reintroduce one of the world’s most iconic brands to land-based slot games.
“To be selected as Hasbro’s land-based slots partner – after a highly competitive process – is a proud milestone for Aristocrat Gaming. Our commitment to innovation and bold creativity sets us apart, and we’re excited to reimagine MONOPOLY slot games for today’s players around the globe,” said Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming.
“It was evident through our selection process that Aristocrat Gaming was the natural fit for the next evolution of the Monopoly brand in the gaming category. We can’t wait for Monopoly fans to experience all new premium gaming content on casino floors,” said Claire Hunter Gregson – Director, Gaming Relationships of Hasbro.
NYSGC Chair O’Dwyer has released the following statement regarding casino applicants.
“On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and the Gaming Facility Location Board, I welcome the eight applicants to Develop and Operate a Gaming Facility in New York State to the competition. The Commission and Board are committed to ensuring the casino siting process is fair, transparent, competitive, deliberative, and beneficial for the State of New York.
“This is a tabula rasa – there are no frontrunners or favorites. These eight proposed projects represent billions of dollars in private investment, thousands of jobs, and amenities in addition to a world-class casino – all things that can transform a community. That’s why each project must obtain all local entitlements, including zoning approval, and be approved by a specific Community Advisory Committee of appointees of the elected officials representing the proposed facility’s location. Only those projects that meet both statutory requirements – zoning and Community Advisory Committee approval – by September 30, 2025 will be considered by the Gaming Facility Location Board. This ensures that only those projects embraced by the community are placed before the Board for consideration.
“Appointing authorities for all eight projects have been notified of their obligation to make appointments to the Community Advisory Committees as soon as possible, as Committees are expected to be up and running in the coming weeks. Through the summer, Committees will hold public hearings to gauge support and/or opposition to their respective project, and formally vote whether to advance the project for Board evaluation. Those projects that are not approved by their Community Advisory Committee will not advance.
“The Board will evaluate those projects approved by their Community Advisory Committee and select up to three projects by December 1, followed by Commission licensure. This ensures that New York State will collect the already-booked casino license fee(s) ahead of schedule.
“As the Board has stated in the Request for Applications, the revenue from new gaming facilities is expected to benefit New York’s public schools, mass transit, local governments, and problem gambling treatment services. The jobs created by these casinos are expected to deliver livable wages to help families live, stay, and prosper in New York.
“We look forward to a competitive process with active community engagement for all proposals.”
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