HB234 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John W. Rogers

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Alabama Gaming Commission established, members, duties, compensation, authority to license and regulate all gambling activities, criminal and civil penalties

Summary

The bill creates the Alabama Gaming Commission to regulate all gambling in the state, license operators, and enforce penalties.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a five-member Alabama Gaming Commission appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation to regulate all gambling in Alabama, license gambling facilities, and set fees and rules. It requires licenses for operating bingo, horse and dog racing, excursion boats, casinos, and other gambling, and imposes a Class B felony and a $1,000-per-day fine on unlicensed operations. License fees and fines go to the State General Fund, and the bill creates compensation for commissioners; it becomes effective January 1, 2011.

Who It Affects

• Gambling facility operators and owners in Alabama must obtain licenses to operate and must pay license fees; operating without a license would be a Class B felony with daily fines.
• The state government and residents will be affected financially by license fees and fines added to the State General Fund, and regulatory governance will shift to the new Alabama Gaming Commission with appointed members and defined duties.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 creates the five-member Alabama Gaming Commission appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation; outlines terms, qualifications, meeting requirements, and compensation for members and the chair.
• Section 2 authorizes the Commission to regulate all forms of gambling in Alabama, license facilities for bingo, racing, excursion boats, casinos, etc., set license fees, and promulgate implementing rules.
• Section 3 requires every gambling facility to obtain a license; violations result in a Class B felony plus a $1,000 per day administrative fine for each day of operation without licensing.
• Section 4 directs that all license fees and fines go to the State General Fund.
• Section 5 states the bill is exempt from certain local expenditure provisions because it creates a new crime or alters penalties under Amendment 621.
• Section 6 sets the effective date of January 1, 2011.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Gaming Commission