Is Poker legal in Alabama (al)? Online Poker Laws in Alabama Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Alabama?

There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.

Current Alabama Gambling Law

The Yellowhammer State, one of seven states without a statewide lottery, is conservative when it comes to gambling. Their gambling statutes, which are antiquated and do not specifically mention iGaming, make nearly all unregulated gambling a criminal offense.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 paved the way for Indian tribes in Alabama to skirt state laws and establish some gaming. Only the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which operates as a sovereign nation within Alabama, has tribal gaming facilities in operation and they have three: Wind Creek Casino Atmore, Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka, and Wind Creek Montgomery — though none are able to offer table games and poker.

In May 2015, Legal U.S. Poker Sites reported that the Sen. President Pro Tem. Del Marsh pushed for a state lottery and for allowing racetracks the opportunity to have casino gaming. The Senate killed the bill even after it was continually publicized as being economically valuable for Alabama's Treasury. Both the Alabama Jobs Coalition and the Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee wanted consideration for a lottery bill.

A proposal in late 2016 for a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery in Alabama passed through the Senate and the House before dying in the Senate when amendment agreements couldn't be made.

The House had proposed changes to the bill prior to approval that included an amendment to giving existing gambling facilities to offer the same games as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, if the governor was able to create a compact between himself and the tribe, according to AL.com.

Alabama Sen. Jim McClendon, the bill's sponsor, was voted against when he asked senators to give the bill final approval. Senate Democrats wanted to make changes in the bill and the Senate Republicans did not wish to set up a conference committee to deal with the differences.

There are two greyhound tracks in Alabama, outside of Birmingham and Mobile, but no horse racing tracks. By state law, cities with at least 300,000 inhabitants may allow greyhound racing or horseracing by referendum, but only Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Huntsville would qualify, and even then, only if the greater metropolitan areas are included.

Alabama remains one of the least likely states to consider online gambling at this point in time. In fact, if a federal bill were passed, Alabama may very well opt-out of offering iGaming altogether.

Best Online Poker Sites for Alabama Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.