Alabama: Bill Seeks to Increase Penalties for Illegal Gambling

Illegal gambling remains an issue in many states across the US, despite the efforts of lawmakers and law enforcement. While the expansion of betting brought the industry into the light and undoubtedly reduced the share of the black market and offshore bookmakers, this is not the case for other gambling activities.

Alabama is one state where culprits who benefit from illegal gambling may face tougher penalties, thanks to a newly introduced bill. The proposal, HB41, was introduced earlier this week by Rep. Matthew Hammett. Ultimately, the bill seeks to increase the penalties for gambling-related offenses and serve as a deterrent.

The Bill Proposes Tougher Fines, More Prison Time for Offenders
Filed on Wednesday, HB41 is currently with the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee. The bill text proposes a revision of Alabama’s laws related to gambling offenses by defining key terms, including “instant win ticket”, “electronic game of chance”, “lottery ticket” and expands on the definition of “gambling activity.”

Currently, gambling-related offenses are recognized and charged as a Class A misdemeanor. People, convicted of such offenses can be punished by up to one year in prison along with a fine of up to $6,000.

In contrast, Hammett’s proposal seeks to change the classification of illegal gambling offenses from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony. Per the proposal, people convicted of such crimes would be facing between one and 10 years in prison, along with fines of up to $15,000.

HB41 proposes even tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Under the proposal, individuals convicted of illegal gambling for a second time would face a Class B felony charge. Repeat offenders would be subject to imprisonment between two and 20 years, as well as a fine of up to $30,000.

Illegal Gambling Remains an Issue in Alabama
Late last month, law enforcement in Alabama uncovered previously seized illegal gambling machines. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall revealed that search warrants were executed as a part of a criminal investigation.

Surprisingly, police uncovered previously seized gambling machines that were stolen from venues that have been shut down. Besides the machines that were easy to identify considering they still had evidence stickers on them, law enforcement seized nearly 100 additional illegal gambling devices.

Hammett’s recent proposal was created with the help of Walt Merrell, a Covington County District Attorney. Quoted by AL.com, Hammett said that the proposal was developed after he saw that the current gambling laws were limited and did little to deter illegal gambling.

Moreover, he explained: “Whatever side you were on with the gambling bills last session, whether you were yes or no, everybody agreed there’s a problem in this state with illegal gambling.” Hammett was among the lawmakers who voted against a proposal that called for the establishment of lottery and casinos in the state. While the initiative picked up speed after a green light in the House, it was shut down in the Senate.