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Gambling devices have always been prohibited by the state authorities, and this law has typically prohibited the development of the Alabama casinos. However, as the only federally recognized tribe in the state, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has been able to open and operate three Indian casinos. Recently, a commercial casino has also opened its doors in AL, while the state has also created the Alabama Sports Wagering Commission to issue licenses and authorize sports wagering agreements going forward. But what else do you need to know about gambling in Alabama?
Indian casinos, which may also be called native or tribal establishments, refer to gambling resorts that are built on Indian reservations or tribal land. There are three such venues in AL, each of which is owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
These casinos have a unique history and have delivered huge value to native communities, particularly in terms of job and wealth creation. They’re also renowned for offering a truly incredible gambling experience, and one that’s hard to replicate in commercial alternatives.
In simple terms, a racino is a gambling establishment that combines a racetrack with casino facility. It’s currently not legal for such establishments to operate in Alabama, while similar rules apply in the neighboring states of Mississippi and Tennessee. However, the state does host three Indian casinos and one commercial resort, so there are still plenty of places where you can wager your hard-earned cash!
Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Alabama?
If you’ve never heard of cruise ship or riverboat casinos, these are gambling establishments located in various waterways throughout the US. In total, there 63 riverboat casinos dotted across six individual states, although Alabama isn’t included in this number.
This is despite Alabama being located in prime riverboat casino territory, with the nearby states of Mississippi, Indiana and Louisiana amongst those to host such gambling venues.
Full Alabama Casino List
As you can see, gambling in Alabama is a popular pastime, and there are plenty of casinos located throughout the state. We’ve provided a brief breakdown of the key city locations where you access gambling resorts and wager your money for real.
Choose a City
Choose a Type
All Casinos in Atmore
Wind Creek Atmore
303 Poarch Rd, Atmore, 36502
Indian Casino
Atmore
All Casinos in Montgomery
Wind Creek Montgomery
1801 Eddie L Tullis Rd, Montgomery, 36117
Indian Casino
Montgomery
All Casinos in Wetumpka
Wind Creek Wetumpka
100 River Oaks Dr, Wetumpka, 36092
Indian Casino
Wetumpka
Expected New Casinos
There are four prominent gambling cities in Alabama, but as yet there are no plans to build new resorts and grant additional licenses in the state. However, the local authority is in the process of legalizing mobile sports betting, although an official bill isn’t expected to be passed any time soon.
Gambling in Alabama
Alabama Gambling Topics
Gambling Facts for Alabama
Number of Casinos
4
Casino Types
Indian, Commercial
Casino Games Offered
Slots, Electronic Bingo,
Age
21+,
Smoking
Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external smoking areas in each Alabama casino
Drinking
Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served
Opening Hours
24/7, Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
In the table below, we’ve reviewed the full range of slots and games available to players at Alabama casinos. As you can see, slots dominate at these locations, while they also take center stage at the state’s only commercial resort.
Additional DetailsDart tournaments, Pool tournaments
Gambling Legal Situation in Alabama
When was casino gambling legalized in AL? As one of North America’s most prominent Bible Belt states, it should come as no surprise that there’s no written law permitting gambling in the region. However, casinos are permitted on Native American land, and have been ever since the passing of The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988.
Online gambling Online gambling remains illegal in Alabama, although the authorities are discussing a bill to legalize mobile sports betting in the state.
What is the legal gambling age in Alabama? For all forms of betting in Alabama, the legal gambling age is 19. While this applies at the state’s commercial casino location, you’ll have to be 21 to enter an Indian Casino in AL.
Can you smoke in AL casinos? While there are strict rules pertaining to smoking at Alabama casinos, you can do so in dedicated outdoor areas on each casino premises.
Horse racing / Off-Track betting: As there’s no racinos in Alabama and no provision for off-track betting, you won’t be able to enjoy this type of wager when visiting Alabama.
Dog racing / Off-Track betting: The same principle applies to dog and greyhound racing, as while there are some small tracks located in the state, none are based at one of the state casino’s venues.
Alabama Charitable gaming: Despite the region’s relatively prohibitive gambling laws, charitable gaming is permitted in the form of bingo. Licensing isn’t required for this, but such games will be subject to strict regulations.
Other legal restrictions: Aside from age and wagering restrictions at Indian casinos in Alabama, you’ll note that table games and poker tournaments aren’t currently permitted in AL. However, a bill introduced recently would change this, while also introducing a state lottery in the foreseeable future.
Taxation of Winnings
Under current law, gambling winnings earned in Alabama are subject to personal income tax rates. This means that the rate of local tax payable will depend on the amount of money that you win, up to a maximum threshold of 5%. This will be charged alongside a federal tax rate of 24%, so you could pay up to 29% on winnings in excess of $6,000.
Prize ($)
Alabama Gross Income Tax (%)
$0 – $1,000 (any prize)
24% +2% (26% total)
$1,000 – $6,000 (any prize)
24% +4% (28% total)
$6,000+ (any prize)
24% +5% (29% total)
AL Gambling Laws
§Title 13A, Chapter 12, Gambling Offense and Criminal Code: Gambling devices and casinos are prohibited, apart from those operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (1988).
§Title 13A, Chapter 12, Gambling Offense and Criminal Code: Horse racing can be legalised in cities with populations of more than 300,000 or more, but no such locations currently qualify in AL (2012).
§AL-HB336, Alabama Sports Wagering Commission: Pending law to create and commission sports wagering licensing in AL (2020).
History
This shows a continued evolution of the law in AL, and more changes may be about to take place. More specifically, a bill is currently being considered to introduce Vegas-style gambling and table games at all Poarch Creek venues, while the state authority continues to debate a bill to legalize mobile sports betting in the region.
As the gambling industry has grown incrementally in Alabama, we’ve also seen the introduction of regulations which tax all winnings at personal income levy rates.
1901: Like many US states, especially in the so-called ‘Bible Belt’ of North America, Alabama has a complex history when it comes to gambling. This can be traced back to 1901, when the Constitution of the State of Alabama declared gambling prohibited in the region.
1971: More recently in 1971, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that pari-mutuel wagering at dog and horse tracks was constitutional, and there remain a small number of greyhound tracks open in AL to this day.
1980: By 1980, Jefferson County also allowed limited charitable bingo following a state legislature amendment.
1988: the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (passed in 1988) permitted the construction of casinos on Native American land.
Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation
As we’ve already said, the Alabama state authorities are considering a bill to legalize mobile sports betting following the Supreme Court decision to strike down the PAPSA legislation in May 2018. Another recently introduced bill aims to add Vegas-style table games to all three Poarch Creek Indians’ locations in AL, while also paving the way for two additional resorts to be built.
FAQ
What Cities in Alabama Have Casinos?
In total, there are four cities in Alabama with casino resorts. These are Atmore, Montgomery, Wetumpka and Cottonwood (the latter of which hosts the stateu2019s only commercial casino).
Where Does the Money from Casinos Go in Alabama?
Under state and federal law, tribal casinos donu2019t have to pay corporate income tax. However, with regards to the sales and use levies, tribes are expected to collect taxes on purchases made by non-tribal members for consumption.
Who Regulates Gambling in Alabama?
All Alabama tribal casinos are regulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988, which also requires Class III Vegas-style gaming to be permitted if requested.
Where Can I Get Help Regarding my Gambling Addiction?
The National Council on Problem Gambling offers some great resources for those of you struggling with addiction, as does the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gaming site found here.
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