Sports Betting Rules in Alabama
The United States is being swallowed up by the sportsbook betting wave that crashed onto these shores following changes to the law at the government level.
The long-running and often controversial blanket ban on betting was replaced by a new set of rules that put the decision into the hands of senators and officials at each state. This led to a flurry of activity in 2018 and 2019 before the pandemic caused things to slow down a little.
Several states, including New Jersey, leapt on the bandwagon, moving early to legalise land-based and online gambling. A selection of states decided it wasn’t for them, and they were happy to stick to what they knew and trusted. The majority of regions adopted to wait it out. They sat on the fence, twiddled their thumbs and looked nervously across state lines. They were intrigued by the change in attitudes to betting and were keen to get involved in the potential windfall that came from taxing bookies to trade in their state, but they also wanted to know the dangers.
They sought a second opinion on the risk of problem gambling and the costs of helping to manage it. Many sports fans ask what are the rules regarding online betting in the United States, and, at present, there is no simple answer to that. Is Alabama betting legal, is the Yellowhammer state dead against gambling or are they one of the many that can be found positioned on the fence, biding their time before making a final decision on whether or not to permit residents and visitors to wager on sports? You’ll find the answers to those questions and more in this article.
Below we answer the most popular questions from our readers looking for the latest information on betting in Alabama, the current rules, what they can do to navigate or find a loophole, how they can bet and more. Use this page as your one-stop for all the information you need regarding online gambling in the area.
Is sports betting legal in Alabama?
Sports betting is not legal in Alabama, and any attempt to place a bet on the outcome of a sporting event, professional or otherwise, could land you in trouble. Alabama isn’t one of the states mentioned that was in a rush to give online sportsbook gambling the green light. Officials there have not yet made their intentions on betting clear, but, at present, all residents and visitors to the state are forbidden to wager on sports.
Can I gamble through an overseas bookie?
Many people believe they have found a loophole by betting through an overseas bookmaker using their smartphone or mobile app, but this is also forbidden under current laws. The rules regarding betting in Alabama and across much of the United States are dated. They don’t take into consideration online gambling and struggle to keep up with technology. But that doesn’t mean they should be abused. Always follow the laws of the land, whether you live in the state or are simply visiting.
What can I do if I want to place a bet?
If you wish to place a bet on your favourite sporting event, such as the Super Bowl, World Series or Kentucky Derby, you should journey to a state that permits betting. If you are present in such a state when accessing a smartphone betting app and wagering on the outcome of a fixture, you won’t be breaking any rules. You can then return to Alabama or remain in the state where betting is legal until your prediction has a result.
When will the rules change?
Lawmakers are currently exploring the issue, and attempts were made in 2020 and 2021 to push through changes to the rules. These attempts failed to see the light of day and were hampered by the pandemic, meaning it’s likely they will make a return sometime soon. Supporters of online gambling believe it’s just a matter of time, and the question is, in which form will we see betting in Alabama, rather than, will we see betting in Alabama.
What about casinos?
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates Class II land-based betting sites that allow visitors to wager on electronic bingo.
