- Code:
- AL
- Capital:
- Montgomery
- Size:
- 52,419 sq mi
- Website:
- alabama.gov
- Casinos:
- 5
Find out all you need to know about gambling in the state of Alabama
If you were wondering whether Alabama has any great land based casinos to offer, then you’re in for a real treat. We have all the information you could possibly need in order to make the perfect gambling decision. What’s more, we have even handpicked a selection of the best casinos to play at so you’ll never feel lost.
Although it is not legal for American’s to operate casinos in the state, it is perfectly legal and legitimate for American Indians to do so, and this is exactly what has happened. The many Native American casino offerings have been greatly attracting, as well as satisfying, gamblers from all across the state for a number of years now and are only increasing in popularity by the day.
One of the most notable elements of casinos in Alabama is the permitted age for gambling. Players of 18 years and above are welcomed to play at most casinos, but note those players that are 21 years and over will be granted access to a selection of additional games such as an array of poker rooms and other poker varieties. As with any casino, if you are 18-21 years of age, we urge you to check up on the casino’s ‘terms of use’ or ‘responsible gambling’ page just to ensure that you won’t be making any wasted trips.
Gamblers will be utterly spoiled for choice when it comes to actually gaming in top Alabama casinos. All the casino classics are there for the playing, such as poker, blackjack, roulette and craps as well as an array of fun and addicting slots variations. Feel comforted in the knowledge that all games have been totally guided by the licensing authority and payouts are fully audited by reputable firms.
What’s more, when it comes to withdrawing your winnings, most of the Alabama casinos provide a variety of safe and efficient methods to do so. At all the most reputable establishments, players will enjoy the ability to withdraw using credit cards, money transfer as bank wire transfer. The ability to withdraw using these secure methods, in combination with the safety measures taken above, ensures that all gamblers are fully protected and are free the game in absolute good conduct.
Alabama Gambling Laws
Gambling laws in Alabama are quite old. Unlike in other US states such as Nevada, where just about any type of gambling activity can and may be done, there’s not much to do gambling-wise in this state. However, players are not totally out of luck in the state as there are still a few gambling options here.
Tribal Casinos
Despite slot machines being illegal in the state of Alabama, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates three casinos legally, which are the Creek Casino Wetumpka, the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, and the Creek Casino Montgomery. They are the only federally recognized tribe in this state. In addition to that, the tribe is also behind the bulk of regulated gambling choices for Alabama poker players and bettors. This is because they are covered by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. It states that native tribes could open and operate their gaming establishments as long as it is on the reservation land, and as long as the state permits it. The minimum age to gamble in tribal establishments is 19.
Greyhound Racing and Off-track Betting
Greyhound racing is considered as legal in Alabama despite the tightening restrictions on the sport in other states. The biggest race track, Birmingham Race Course, is found between Trussville and Irondale. However, with the continued struggle that the sport is facing considering that 39 other states have deemed it illegal, there is a big chance that this race track, as well as another smaller one in Mobile, is already on survival mode. Both facilities offer simulcast races from other tracks as well. Pari-mutuel betting is applied. Off-track betting, however, is available not only at the Birmingham Race Course, but at Victoryland and Greenetrack as well. Only those aged 19 and above are allowed to participate in these wagers.
Horse Racing
Although there are no active horse racing tracks in Alabama, by law, cities that have inhabitants of 300,000 or more are allowed to determine whether horse racing will be permitted in the state. The most recent talk about bringing horse racing into the state was in 2011, where Birmingham Race Course officials started to consider bringing live horse races into their game plan. This proved to be quite a big project however, and no further updates were heard of yet.
Bingo
Bingo is only allowed if it is done for charitable reasons. Non-profit organizations that are hoping to get a license should have been in existence for at least 24 months. These games should also have a maximum prize of $1,200 (in cash and gifts) per session and $2,400 (in cash and gifts) per calendar week. Anybody below the age of 19 cannot participate in these games.
Lottery
Alabama is one of the seven states that do not have state lotteries, nor does it participate in interstate lotteries. And one of the main reasons for that is different religious objections that eliminate the possibility to start a lottery there. Though it was already proved that the lottery can help the state’s government to enrich the public purse.
Commercial Casinos
Gambling devices such as slot machines are banned in Alabama, which prohibits casinos from popping out within the borders of the state. If a person illegally possesses a gambling device, he or she may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and may serve up to a year of jail time and a fine of $6,000.
Online Poker
Unless you are a member of a tribal group in your tribal land, then poker games are not permitted around Alabama. It is not legal to participate in online poker games for real money or anything else of value.
Despite the rapid growth of gambling activity in the United States, state legislators of Alabama have recently stated that they are yet to be interested in legalizing gambling activities, having outlawed most forms of gambling in the state. They believe that increasing the amount of gambling activity in the state will not really be a solution to existing problems.