Former NBA All-Star and Alabama native Charles Barkley showed interest in owning a controlling majority in an Alabama casino, if the opportunity arose. The remarks came amid new efforts in the state legislature to pass a gambling bill that would redefine the state's gaming industry.
Sen. Greg Albritton is spearheading a new proposal to legalize gambling. He's trying to gather the 21 Senate votes needed to pass the bill.
The legislative push follows last year's unsuccessful attempt when a watered-down version of a gambling bill fell by one vote short in the Senate. The previous bill sought a state lottery, casinos, sports betting, and a regulatory commission.
Some legislators are pushing for African American ownership as a central aspect of any legislature-approved gambling laws. Sen. Bobby Singleton openly supports gaming, insisting ownership opportunities rather than jobs alone must be made available to African Americans.
Sen. Singleton pointed out there are many Black gamblers in Alabama tribal casinos. Thus, it's only fair for them to enjoy the economic gains of gambling growth. He's pushing for at least one of the casinos to be majority African American ownership as a condition for receiving broader legislative support.
Moreover, Sen. Singleton referenced the economic and symbolic draw of Charles Barkley's investment in such a venture. Barkley, a Hall of Fame basketball player and Auburn University alumnus, is still popular in Alabama.
Sen. Singleton said a Birmingham casino with Barkley as one of its top investors would be accepted and become a destination site with high economic impact potential.
Barkley could help influence decision
Barkley made arguments supporting state gaming legalization, particularly sports betting, that he finds essential to maximizing revenue. Barkley stressed Alabama can tap into available earnings going to nearby states or unregulated establishments.
Across the country, sports gambling is legal in 38 states and D.C. In 2023 alone, states gathered an estimated $1.8 billion in tax income from legitimate sports gambling, based on reports from the Tax Foundation. Barkley expressed he's willing to invest in a Birmingham casino only if the site is well-selected.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which currently operates casinos on tribal land in the Yellowhammer State, also supports full-gaming legislation. The tribe is behind laws allowing commercial casinos, a state lottery, and sports betting.
Though momentum is gathering, the political path is uncertain. Sen. Singleton acknowledged the challenge of passing a gambling bill through the legislature during an election year. He noted a few legislators would be reluctant to support gambling reforms so near the 2026 elections, concerned about the potential backlash from constituents.
Nevertheless, the state is becoming tighter with impending reductions in federal aid and other essentials in public matters like rural medicine. Those budgetary restrictions can encourage legislators to consider gambling legislation during this session seriously.
Supporters increasingly note the potential for new revenue sources as the focal point argument for legalized gambling in Alabama.
