Alabama Gambling Could Be The Target Of New Taxes To Help Budget

Legislators in the state of Alabama will be heading back into session in the new year and the gambling issue will be one that they will be trying to sort out. They are like many other states in that regard.

With the economy getting progressively worse in the US, individual states are trying to work magic and balance their budgets. Many states are turning to expanded casino gambling for revenue, others are expanding lottery gambling.

Whatever the direction may be, the logical conclusion of most legislators these days is that gambling is needed to help offset budget deficits. The top priority on Alabama's list may not be expanding gambling, but taxing the gambling that already exists.

"There's been a great deal of conversation recently about taxing electronic bingo, and it's not a tax on a consumer because it's a choice. I think there's going to be more discussion on that to a pretty good extent as it picks up momentum and a groundswell of support," said Senator Ted Little.

The major hurdle for Alabama legislators on taxing the current gambling in the state is they will have to go head to head with Milton McGregor, which will most likely mean no new casinos in the state.

"Someone will attempt to tax gambling but since Milton is so powerful with the majority, there will have to be a quid-pro-quo-of new casinos," said Senator Larry Dixon.

December 29, 2008
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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