Loads of Options for Online Casinos in Alabama

While you can definitely play at Alabama online casinos, you shouldn’t expect the state to expressly regulate them any time soon. There has been absolutely no movement on the Internet gaming issue in the state, and considering that gambling in general has been treated very conservatively here, we don’t expect to see the government go into the business of licensing and regulating sites in the foreseeable future.

That said, this doesn’t mean that you can’t play your favorite games online. Many trustworthy Internet casinos allow Alabamians to play on their sites, even if the state isn’t inviting them to do so. That’s because the state is seen as a grey market in the gaming industry: while there are no regulations for these sites, there are also no laws criminalizing playing on them, meaning that individuals are free to sign up and play for real money if they want to. Most gambling sites that accept Alabamians are licensed in reputable jurisdictions such as the Netherlands Antilles and offer safe and secure services to the majority of the USA. We recommend the best online casinos in Alabama, as selected by our resident group of casino experts.

A Grand Total of 3 Indian Casinos

Even when you ignore the lack of legislation surrounding online casinos in Alabama, it’s safe to say that this state has largely resisted the lure of gambling revenue that most other states have sought. In fact, the state’s stance has been so conservative that to this day, Alabama remains one of the few states that does not even have a lottery.

However, there are some land-based gaming options here. Most notably, the state is home to three Native American casinos, all owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians: the Wind Creek Casino in Atmore, and two Creek Casinos (in Wetumpka and Montgomery). These venues may be seen more like “slot parlors” to some, as they do not include table games: only slots and other electronic machines are available. However, the tribes have tried to make the venues well-rounded by providing a range of entertainment and dining options as well.

Other venues have also made their mark. In particular, Alabama has had an interesting history when it comes to “electronic bingo” halls, which have been the subject of a number of legal battles over the years. At one time, electronic bingo parlors were quite common, usually in cities and towns that had specifically authorized them. The games are similar to slot machines, but work in a different way, setting up debates similar to those held about “sweepstakes cafés” in other states.

But in 2010, Governor Bob Riley organized an anti-gambling task force that attempted to close most of these businesses. While the state’s Supreme Court ultimately said that the task force was invalid, allowing many of those halls to reopen. But the debate was set, and several more closures would occur in the years to come, sometimes with county sheriffs performing raids after determining the games to be illegal.

The highest-profile battle took place at the VictoryLand greyhound track in Shorter, which played host to Quincy’s 777, the largest electronic bingo venue in the state. In October 2010, federal prosecutors filed charges against several lawmakers and the VictoryLand owner in relation to a corruption investigation surrounding both the bingo hall and the investigations into the industry. 

Why Greyhound Racing is Legal in Alabama

The reason why gambling mostly gets a bad rep in Alabama is all thanks to a definition in a 1901 act, which claims that gambling in an act of wagering money over a game of chance where the outcome cannot be controlled or determined. But greyhound and horse racing, it was successfully argued, do not fall under this definition, because these activities depend on the skill of the animal and/or jockey.

Still, options for race betting are not exactly plentiful. Horseracing is absent in Alabama, under a clause that states that only cities with 300,000+ people living there can determine whether to allow it. As for greyhound racing – it exists, but there is just one last track – the Birmingham Racetrack – that still runs races. The Mobile Greyhound Park, which was the other option for greyhound racing, was closed in 2017 but remains open for Simulcast betting.

And the good news is that pari-mutuel betting is also allowed in Alabama, and that also includes televised horseracing and greyhound racing events. However, all pari-mutuel betting must be approved and run through the gambling commission of the municipal area of the city within Alabama.

A Surprising Step Forward – Daily Fantasy Sports Legalized

2019 was a surprising year for online gambling in Alabama, with the legalisation of Daily Fantasy Sports – possibly the first form of online betting that is completely above board for Alabamians.

So, what does this say about online casinos in Alabama? Not much. Daily Fantasy Sports got the go ahead for the same reasons that greyhound racing is legal – it was decided that there is skill involved in building line-ups that could dominate the rest of the competition. So, unfortunately, while Daily Fantasy Sports offers people a new avenue to win some cash online, this doesn’t seem to indicate that there will any word regarding online casinos in Alabama. However, as we have mentioned throughout this page – it has stopped any online casinos from offering services to Alabamians before.

Enjoy the Best Online Casinos in Alabama Today

While gambling options seem limited in the Heart of Dixie, thanks to a senate that’s unwilling to budge from an archaic definition and opinion on gambling, you can very easily sign up with and play at online casinos in Alabama. While there are no laws regarding Alabama online casinos per se, lots of top online casinos that operate in the US are more than willing to open their virtual doors to you. Check out our list the best-rated casinos above, pick your favourite one and sign up today.

Citations and Sources

• Alabama.gov
• Alabama Policy Institute
• Al.com
• Findlaw.com