SB385 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jack W. WilliamsSenator
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Vivian Davis Figures David Sessions
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Mobile Co., Racing Commission, operation of racetrack and based on events outside of Mobile Co., further provided for, Sec. 45-49-151.07 am'd.
Summary: SB385 lets Mobile County racetracks operate race meetings, broadcast and take bets on external races (even outside Alabama), and collect a 2% commission on those wagering proceeds.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes racetrack operators in Mobile County to hold race meetings up to 312 days per year. It allows licensees to receive broadcasts of external races and permit pari-mutuel wagering on those events, with 2% of gross wagering proceeds paid to the racing commission. It also permits broadcasts of dog races to outside tracks and facilities, with the same 2% commission. The bill broadens the definition of 'broadcast' to include digital transmissions and historical races, and gives the racing commission authority to regulate broadcast races and resolve conflicts with other laws.

Who It Affects
Mobile County racetrack operators or licensees, who may conduct race meetings and broadcast external events for wagering (subject to the 312-day limit).
Patrons and bettors at the licensed tracks and authorized facilities who wager on broadcasts of external races (pari-mutuel wagering for those events).

Key Provisions
Allows racetrack operators in Mobile County to hold and conduct race meetings up to 312 racing days per year.
Licensees may receive broadcasts of external horse or dog races and allow all forms of pari-mutuel wagering on those events; 2% of gross wagering proceeds must be paid to the racing commission.
Licensees may transmit broadcasts of dog races to tracks outside Mobile County and to facilities outside Alabama; same 2% commission on wagering proceeds.
Defines 'broadcast' to include digital transmission or exhibition of historical races and various retransmission methods (cable, satellite, etc.).
Racing commission may establish rules to regulate broadcast races; rights under the bill prevail over conflicting laws or orders where applicable.
Effective immediately after the Governor signs the act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Mobile County