- An Alabama state representative says it’s possible that the state could have a special legislative session to discuss bills containing sports betting, casinos, and lottery legalization efforts.
- State Rep. Shane Stringer doubts that there will be a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
- Alabama’s legislative session ended on April 9, but a special session is possible under governor proclamation.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –The push for legal Alabama sports betting in 2026 may not be over, according to a state representative. Rep. Shane Stringer said on the “The Jeff Poor Show” that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if a special session was called.
State law says that the Governor can call for a special session limited to 12 legislative days. If that happens, the agenda would be specifically-tailored towards legal sports betting, casino gaming, and lottery bills that have floated throughout both legislative chambers this session.
When asked how possible a last-ditch effort with a special session would be, Rep. Stringer told the show that “I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case. Like always, you’ll have to wait until a bill is drafted and try to look at it and see if you can get your mind wrapped around what is or what isn’t. A lot of times, they will typically want your commitment before you’ve even had a chance to look at a bill.”
Earlier Sports Betting, Gambling Bills Failed To Get Traction
Alabama’s legislative session ended on April 9 without either gambling bills progressing through their respective chambers. A loaded Senate Bill 257 included Alabama sports betting, land-based casinos, and a state lottery proposal, while a bill in the house focused strictly on the lottery.
While these bills didn’t get very far during the legislative session window, Rep. Stringer says that “A special session would give us the ability to focus on nothing but that, and see where we can go with it from there.” Still, a spot for a constitutional amendment on the November ballot is unlikely.
