Alabama is one of the states most vehemently opposed to expanding gambling in any form. Yet, despite years of restrictive policies, conversations have been open about bringing sports betting within their borders. Nothing is in place yet, but Alabama may be accepting wagers sooner than you think.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Alabama?
No, Alabama does not yet have legal sports betting in the state despite multiple efforts to legalize it in some form. Alabama is one of the few states that still does not have a state lottery, so their aversion to sports gambling shouldn’t be a shock. Pressure from losing money to neighboring states, such as Tennessee and Mississippi, along with the popularity of college football, is probably the primary motivator for Alabama even considering legalizing sports betting at all.
Is DraftKings Sports Betting Legal in Alabama?
No, as of now, DraftKings isn’t available in Alabama as an online option or as a retail sportsbook. However, you can use DraftKings daily fantasy sports app in Alabama legally if you want to win money that way. It remains to be seen how Alabama would implement sports betting, but their most recent proposal included mobile betting. If mobile betting is allowed, DraftKings would likely be one of the sportsbooks allowed to operate. For now, Tennessee is the closest state that allows DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Why is Sports Betting Illegal in Alabama?
Sports betting isn’t legal in Alabama yet, because the legislative sessions have all ended without the proposed efforts passing. Again, Alabama isn’t too keen on gambling, so the fact that measures have been brought forth for multiple years and have been considered are huge steps. While there are still many steps to take before sports betting is legal, legal sports betting is steadily gaining momentum.
When Will Alabama Sports Betting Start?
It’s impossible to predict when Alabama will accept their first legal bet considering that sports betting isn’t legal yet. Before the 2023 football season would be the best-case scenario, but after that seems more likely. How Alabama will choose to handle sports betting may slow down the official launch. They have three casinos, all tribal, under the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. They may seek to disrupt mobile betting or mobile-only betting, especially since they have an agreement with Betfred already due to owning a casino in Pennsylvania.
Latest Alabama Sports Betting News
September 17, 2022: The Alabama Crimson Tide will surely try to make a statement when they host Louisiana-Monroe after a tight win the week before that dropped them in the rankings.
September 17, 2022: Auburn hosts Penn State in a rematch from last season, looking to avenge the 28-20 loss and remain undefeated.
September 17, 2022: UAB welcomes undefeated Georgia Southern as they attempt to bounce back from a loss to Liberty.
