Forget the hassle of going through a bookie, not to mention that online sportsbooks in Alabama are considered a form of legal gambling. Make the next big game more exciting to watch by placing a wager using legal online sports betting for residents of Alabama. As we have noted, sports betting is not currently legal in Alabama. That said, when legal online sports betting does make its way here it will find a state with a vibrant sporting tradition and passionate fans. The following is just a taste of some of the sports betting that. Online gambling in Alabama is strictly forbidden and its legalization is not expected in the near future. While some operators might accept Alabamian players, gambling on them is highly inadvisable. The state treats illegal gambling as a legal offense, and anyone engaged in. Legal Alabama Online Gambling Sites. Alabama is not the ideal US state for those fond of gambling, especially for those who love playing poker and blackjack. The state has regulated limited forms of gambling such as pari-mutuel betting and Class II casino gaming. Alabama has not regulated its online gambling industry so far.

When it comes to states synonymous with the South and its traditions, there may be no greater representative than Alabama. Its contributions and appearances in American history are legion, both good and bad.

However, there may be no state more confused about its identity with respect to gambling than Alabama. It has forged its own unique place as perhaps the most on-again, off-again state in the union.

Online gambling

Alabama’s official stance on online gambling is similar to that of many states. There is no law definitively for or against online gambling in the Heart of Dixie. However, the only brand of gambling that is securely legal in Alabama is pari-mutuel facilities.

Furthermore, there is no state lottery in Alabama. This negates a common avenue for proponents of gambling to introduce slot machine-type gambling to regions of the country. So, the current climate for typical online gambling is fairly negative, even though its status under the law is uncertain. AL sports betting is not yet legal.

However, Alabama is moving forward with the Fantasy Sports Bill. It recently cleared the state house and could become law in the near future. The bill, dubbed HB354, now moves to the Alabama State Senate. In theory, it could be on the governor’s desk within a few weeks. There are some rumbles of constitutional difficulty with the bill though, because of Alabama’s express prohibition of gambling in its chief legislative document.

Interestingly though, supporters of the bill have managed to turn the discourse about DFS into one where daily fantasy sports is primarily a skill game. Thus it cannot be considered gambling under state law. This structuring of the argument could potentially open the door for other expansions in the state for skill-heavy games, such as poker. For right now, the best thing to do is wait and see. But it does seem that things might be shifting down on the Delta.

Likely online gambling operators

OperatorNotes
FanDuel/DraftKingsLargest daily fantasy sports operators – likely waiting in the wings for legislation to pass
The Poarch Band of Creek IndiansOwn three casinos in eastern Alabama
Milton McGregorOwns Victoryland racino and has endured work stoppages, lawsuits, and even arrests to bring gambling to Alabamans

Social casino options

The social casino options in Alabama are typical of most states. Slotomania, Double Down Casino, Big Fish, ZyngaPoker, and Zynga Slots are all available.

However, Alabama’s laws are uniquely harsh when it comes to enforcement. Even social gambling is barred inside the state, to the point that players in home games have found themselves on the receiving end of the criminal justice system. Players should exercise great caution in playing any type of casino game in Alabama. This includes the free social ones on Facebook or mobile devices.

The option about which to be especially cautious is MyVegas. This is MGM’s free slots app that allows players to build up loyalty points in a banked account. The danger lies in the fact that these loyalty points can be exchanged for real-world comps at participating MGM properties and partners, including some properties in nearby Mississippi. It would not be a stretch for Alabama to apply its stringent anti-gambling laws to the receipt of these prizes.

State casino operator history

Pari-Mutuel wagering

Alabama has one of the more hit-and-miss gambling histories in the US. The state legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog races in 1971. Its first track opened in 1973, but the tracks have been malingering along by offering less-prestigious greyhound racing for several years.

Bingo

Its first bingo parlor opened in 1980 when a single county legalized it (Jefferson, through constitutional amendment). However, the state has had to pass 18 more amendments to bring bingo to each new county that desires the game.

Most notably, the game of electronic bingo has gone back and forth in legality several times since 2003. Voters in Macon County approved a constitutional amendment to allow the machines at the Victoryland racetrack. This began a comical cycle of the facility placing machines at the location and the government confiscating the machines and associated cash, along with closing down the entire facility, only to have the racetrack reopen again with new machines. This cycle has occurred at least twice, and many small debates have raged between these blow-ups. As of September 2016, Alabamans can once again play electronic bingo at Victoryland. No word on when the next raid and shutdown will occur.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Alabama City

Lottery

The state does not offer a lottery option to its residents, even though lottery is often the exception for many states (like Texas) that are traditionally opposed to gambling. Various important citizens in the state have been campaigning for a lottery since 1993. In fact, it was a major plank for Don Siegelman when he successfully ran for governor in 1998. Even so, he still couldn’t get the constitution amended to allow lottery. There was hope for some movement in 2020, but the regular legislative session adjourned without a hearing on any lottery proposals.

Casinos

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 allowed federally recognized tribes to operate gaming facilities on tribal lands, and in Alabama, the only tribe to do so is the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The tribe operates three Class II facilities (meaning no table games) in the eastern part of the state. They generate tax revenue for Alabama’s government. Naturally, the state sued the tribe in 2013 to close the three casinos. It took two years of litigation to finally have the suit thrown out.

The most silver of linings for Alabama residents is the state’s proximity to Mississippi. There are two different areas of note for casino gambling in Mississippi – Biloxi/Gulfport and Tunica. Over 30 casinos are spread across Alabama’s neighbor to the west, and the Biloxi locations are especially accessible to residents in the southern part of Alabama. Mobile is a short hour’s drive away.

Still, much like flowers in the desert, four facilities have managed to find a way to live in the Heart of Dixie. They are listed below.

Land-based casinos

PropertyLocationOwnership
Wind Creek Casino and Hotel AtmoreAtmoreThe Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Wind Creek Casino and Hotel WetumpkaWetumpkaThe Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Wind Creek Casino and Hotel MontgomeryMontgomeryThe Poarch Band of Creek Indians
VictorylandShorterMilton McGregor

Why Is Sports Gambling Illegal

State Legal Environment

Permitted/Offered?Notes & Restrictions
Land-Based Gambling YesPari-mutuel wagering mostly – some electronic bingo, but tentative legal status
Online GamblingNoDaily fantasy sports may be available soon
LotteryNo
Charitable or House-Based GamblingYesBingo only – NO SOCIAL GAMBLING
Minimum Gambling Age18 for pari-mutuel; 21 for casinos

Sports in America can sometimes be a serious thing. Sports in Alabama are always a serious thing. It should come as no surprise then that many folks throughout the Heart of Dixie are no strangers to placing a wager on their favorite teams and players. While federal laws prevent any sort of official establishment that is able to facilitate such wagers, you can bet your bottom dollar that both Crimson Tide and Tigers fans have made a few wagers on the Iron Bowl.

The good news for these folks is that while federal laws prohibit the business of gambling, they do not prevent the simple act of placing a bet. That’s right, it is legal to wager among friends and family over the events of any given Saturday in autumn. This page will outline how, why and where to go for anyone residing in Alabama who wishes to place a bet on their team using legal online sportsbooks for Alabama residents, all while being completely under the rule of law.

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal In Alabama?

Federal laws in place have prohibited sports betting outside of only a few exempt locations such as Las Vegas. It is strictly illegal to engage in the business of gambling or facilitate bets for profit on U.S. soil, which has all but eliminated any place that might accept a bet in the country. What these federal laws do not do however, is prevent the average citizen from placing a bet. One only needs to look on the internet to find a legal sports betting site that accepts Alabama players where they are able to do so. The defining factor that makes an online sportsbook legally able to accept your bet is its location outside of U.S. jurisdiction. If they are not bound to federal regulation, they are able to do as they please and bettors are able to use their services without fear of breaking any laws. The state of Alabama’s constitution makes no mention of gambling over the internet, which leaves the door open for any Tide or Tigers fan to go place that bet and enjoy legal gambling in Alabama.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Alabama

Read More: Is It Legal To Gamble Online In Alabama?

With the only factor of legality for an online sportsbook being its location outside of U.S. jurisdiction, plenty of sites that meet this simple requirement. Finding the best of the best is the next step to deciding where to wager your cash and luckily, those are not hard to come by. It is important only to visit legal sites that have a long track record for success with satisfying their members. Tight security and privacy is necessary for any legal online sportsbook for Alabama bettors looking to stand above the rest as well as having a large user base that reports receiving consistent and reliable payouts. We are happy to report here that we have found a couple that meet all of these criteria.

Lifetime Bonuses + Mobile App

This online sportsbook has been operating for well over a decade and has a long list of positive testimonials from members who have won millions over the years. With every sport imaginable, users are able to lay down cash on any betting type they wish and even make prop bets such as who might score first in the second half. Many users have found wealth by taking advantage of exciting futures bets such as the winner of next year’s Super Bowl, or even who may take the World Series.

With plenty of strong incentives for joining BetOnline’s 25% Welcome Bonus where users can receive up to $1000 of free betting cash off their first deposit, this site keeps the good times rolling in. This online sportsbook affords users this generous discount on every deposit that they will ever make for the entire duration of their membership. Folks all across the heart of Dixie are able to place bets on the Tide or Tigers all while knowing that their winnings will arrive straight to their home address anywhere in the state of Alabama.

Legal
Our Most Recommended Gambling Site

One of the best online sportsbooks for Alabama residents is also one of the oldest and most respected in the industry. Bovada.lv has been in the game for over a decade and even initially started as an American company before high tailing it to Canada after changing federal laws.

They continue to serve all those in Alabama looking for legal sports betting action over the web with some of the best odds and lines around. ESPN, USA Today and Yahoo Sports all use their odds even over those found in Vegas as this site is truly a sports behemoth in the community. Users can bet the spread, moneyline, fractional odds on every major American as well as international sport. New members are even able to score a win before placing their first bet in the form of a 50% welcome bonus worth up to $250 in free cash to wager on whatever you wish.

SportsbookBonusAlabama Welcome?Visit
BetOnline Sportsbook$1,000 On Deposits - 50%YesVisit
Bovada Sportsbook50% Up To $500 First DepositYesVisit
SportsBetting50% Match On First DepositYesVisit
5Dimes Sportsbook50% To $200 Then 20% To $520YesVisit

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Alabama Right Now

Alabama

As mention earlier on the page, federal law does not allow for any sports betting establishment on U.S. soil anywhere in the country outside of a few exceptions. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) eliminated brick and mortar sportsbooks from every state in the union outside of Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon. Unless there is a major change in federal policy, the only legal way to bet on sports is to visit an Alabama online sportsbook that is not bound to any federal regulations.

Betting Age In Alabama - How Old To Bet Sports Online?

While there are no sportsbooks in the state of Alabama, it is still important to take in the account that there is still a betting age for the region. While the simple act of placing a bet is legal, Alabama residents and visitors must be 19 years of age or older to participate in any gambling. However, any of our recommended online sportsbooks are available to all legal adults in the Heart of Dixie aged 18 years of age or older.

The Basics of Betting On Sports In Alabama...A Quick Recap

Gambling Machines In Alabama

Sports betting may appear to be sparse in Alabama but it is not entirely absent. There are no brick and mortar establishments to facilitate a wager on your favorite team but the simple act of placing a bet is still legal. So long as bettors never engage in the business of gambling or facilitating bets for profit, they will remain safe from prosecution and able to enjoy themselves in a private dwelling. For those sports fans looking for a more serious means of wagering, online sportsbooks that exist outside of both state and federal jurisdictions are available and legal to use by any Alabama resident that is of legal age. We hope that with all of the information that is on this page, bettors will feel comfortable and confident in making wagers on their favorite teams and players without concern. Read more about legal sports betting in the USA if you are still concerned.

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