Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville expanded his gubernatorial fundraising lead in March, backed by large individual and corporate donations, including money tied to the gambling sector. His campaign reported $581,377 in total contributions for the month, with $30,000 coming from online sweepstakes casino VGW Luckyland Inc.
Key Takeaways
- Sen. Tuberville raised $581,377 in March, including $30,000 from VGW Luckyland despite Alabama's gambling ban.
- The VGW contribution reflects possible long-term positioning by gambling interests in Alabama.
- Sen. Tuberville holds a significant fundraising lead over other candidates ahead of the May primary.
The donations arrive as Alabama continues to prohibit most gambling activity, raising questions about long-term political positioning in the state. Alabama remains one of five states without a lottery, and legal gambling is limited to facilities operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
The VGW contribution stands out in this context, particularly given the company's regulatory scrutiny in states such as Delaware, Louisiana, and Tennessee. As well, recent states, such as Maine and Indiana, have passed laws that would prevent sweepstakes casinos from operating.
Law professor Robert Jarvis said the donation reflects a longer-term outlook, noting that current restrictions do not guarantee permanent prohibition. The suggestion is that companies are seeking early influence ahead of any policy shift.
“VGW is looking to the future and hoping to buy good will with a candidate who may in the future be in a position to help change Alabama’s gambling laws,” he told al.com.
Sen. Tuberville has said decisions on gambling expansion should be handled by the legislature, not the governor's office. His campaign did not respond to questions about the VGW donation, and the company also declined to comment.
Former Sen. Doug Jones, seeking the Democratic nomination, remains significantly behind in fundraising, while other candidates in both parties have reported far lower totals.
Alabama's primary is scheduled for May 19, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Senate proposal targets voter referendum on gambling expansion
Against that backdrop, a separate legislative effort is attempting to shift the gambling debate toward voters. Sen. Merika Coleman introduced SB257, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Alabama residents to decide whether to authorize a lottery, casinos, and sports betting.
Sen. Coleman said the proposal is driven by budget concerns, pointing to funding shortfalls affecting Medicaid, the Department of Human Resources, and other public services.
The bill would require approval from three-fifths of both legislative chambers before going to a statewide vote. Rather than outlining a comprehensive regulatory framework, the proposal seeks initial voter authorization.
If approved, lawmakers would return later to draft detailed legislation, including potential agreements with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the creation of a regulatory body.
Sen. Coleman described the measure as a response to public demand, citing polling that indicates more than 70% of residents want the opportunity to vote on a lottery. Alabama last held such a vote in 1999, when a proposal was rejected by a 54% to 46% margin. Similar efforts have surfaced regularly, including a 2024 plan that fell one vote short in the legislature.
Despite that history, prospects for SB257 remain uncertain. Legislative leaders signaled before the session began that gambling proposals were unlikely to advance.
