Alabama Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties on Illegal Gambling Operations
In Alabama, the fight against illegal gambling is taking a new turn as state legislators prepare to introduce stricter penalties for those operating outside the law.
A Crackdown on Unregulated Gambling Amid Rising Concerns
Representative Matthew Hammett has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming 2025 legislative session, targeting the surge of unregulated gambling activities that have been troubling communities across the state.
Representative Hammett has been clear about the intent behind this bill: it’s not aimed at established operations that have constitutional approval, like dog and horse tracks. “We’re not going after the folks who are working within the law,” Hammett explained. “This is strictly about cracking down on those running illegal operations outside of the constitutional amendments.”
Proposed Tougher Penalties
If passed, the bill would escalate the crime of running illegal gambling operations from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony. This would significantly raise the stakes for those caught with electronic gambling machines or involved in other illegal betting activities. Under the new legislation, fines would also increase sharply—jumping from a $6,000 maximum penalty to as much as $15,000.
For repeat offenders, the consequences become even more severe. A second offense could be classified as a Class B felony, bringing with it the possibility of a two- to 20-year prison sentence and a hefty $30,000 fine. Hammett believes these stricter penalties are crucial in making it clear that illegal gambling won’t be tolerated. “The current fines just aren’t enough of a deterrent,” he said. “These operations keep popping up, and we need to send a stronger message.”
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