Alabama Senator Calls for Felony Charges to Crack Down on Illegal Gambling
State Senator Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) is pushing for tougher laws to tackle Alabama’s growing illegal gambling problem, proposing felony charges as a game-changing deterrent. Givhan believes the current penalties aren’t strong enough, allowing illegal operators to thrive, and that only harsher consequences will curb the rampant activity.
“It’s Worth the Risk”: Why Illegal Gambling Thrives
In a recent interview on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show,” Givhan explained that many illegal operators treat the minimal fines as a small price to pay for massive profits.
According to Givhan, illegal gambling machines pay for themselves quickly, making the lack of serious legal repercussions an acceptable gamble for these operators. He argues that raising the stakes with felony charges — which could include jail time and loss of civil rights — will make it less attractive for those running these unlawful operations.
Public Support for Legal Gambling Grows Despite Senator’s Reservations
Though Givhan remains personally opposed to legalized gambling, he admitted that most Alabamians support the introduction of a state lottery and are largely indifferent to legalized casino gambling.
He expressed concern that lotteries often target low-income residents, but he also recognized the undeniable demand, as many locals travel out of state to buy lottery tickets.
Givhan’s push for felony charges against illegal gambling operators comes at a time when the state is grappling with how to address both the rise in illegal activities and public demand for legal gambling options.
With harsher penalties on the horizon, Alabama could be setting the stage for a shake-up in its gambling laws — one that addresses both illegal operations and the increasing call for a state lottery.
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