Alabama is one of the least gambling-friendly states in the US. It does not have many state-regulated gambling options and limits gaming at tribal casinos to only slot machines.
If you are interested in online casinos, sites licensed outside of the state are your only option.
Here, we will review the legality of all kinds of gambling in Alabama, including information on offshore sites available to AL residents.
Summary of AL Gambling Laws
A handful of brick-and-mortar locations in Alabama have slot machines and off-track betting for horse and dog racing.
However, popular casino games like blackjack and poker are unavailable anywhere besides online casinos.
Below is a quick look at what types of gambling are legal in the Cotton State.
| Gambling | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Gray Area |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Offshore Only |
| Legal Age Online | 18+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 21+ |
| Online Sports Betting | Offshore Only |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | No |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Alabama?
Alabama does have some legal in-person gambling options despite its generally strict anti-gambling laws.
Online gambling is only available at online casinos licensed outside of state borders. Other forms of gambling, like slots, pari-mutuel wagering, and charitable bingo, are available at select locations.
| Gambling | Alabama Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | Three tribal casinos legally operate here, offering slot machines. Two off-track betting locations also have unique pari-mutuel slots. None of these locations provide standard casino table games or card games. |
| Poker | Land-based and online poker rooms can not legally operate here. Online poker rooms are the only way to play poker in the state. |
| Horse Race Betting | Horse race betting is legal in Alabama at four different off-track betting locations. However, no tracks currently operate here. |
| Dog Race Betting | Betting on dog racing is legal in AL. The same four off-track betting locations that offer simulcast betting on horse racing also allow dog racing. There are no active dog racing tracks in the state. |
| Lottery | Alabama is one of five states in the United States of America that does not have a legal lottery. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Daily fantasy sports became legal in Alabama as a skill game in 2019. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting is not legal in Alabama at in-person locations or online. Sports bettors who want to bet on sports must use an online sportsbooks that operate outside the state’s borders. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charitable bingo is legal in select counties and cities. Only counties and towns added to the Alabama state constitution through amendments can offer bingo games. |
| Social Gaming | In-person social gambling in AL is legal as long as nobody profits from it. |
| Online Casinos | Online casinos are not allowed to operate in Alabama. Online gambling is available through online casinos outside the state. |
Best Online Casinos for Alabama Players in 2024
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Where to Gamble in Alabama
There are only a few retail locations where it is legal to gamble in Alabama.
Tribal casinos have slot machines, and off-track betting locations have wagering on simulcasted horse races and dog races. State residents looking to bet online must use offshore sites as there are no state-regulated online casinos, poker rooms, or sportsbooks.
Here’s a look at the current legal status of different forms of gambling in the state.
Land-Based Casinos in Alabama
Alabama currently has three active tribal casinos:
These casinos have a selection of electronic games, including Class II slot machines, which use a bingo system to generate results, contrary to Vegas-like slots.
There are no table games or live poker.
Horse & Dog Tracks
No horse or dog racing tracks with live racing currently operate in the state.
However, pari-mutuel betting is legal with simulcast horse and dog race betting available at the following off-track betting locations.
Except for Mobile Greyhound Park, all of these locations also have limited slot machine gambling.
These machines operate legally by simulating a typical slot machine using a pari-mutuel system based on the results of past horse races.
Online Sports Betting
Sports betting operators are not legally allowed to operate here.
Alabama Senate Bills 293 and 294, aiming to legalize lottery and retail sports betting at tribal casino locations, were introduced to the state senate in 2022, but neither failed to gain any traction.
Sports bettors looking to place wagers on sports online must do so with sportsbooks licensed outside of AL.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Charitable gaming in the form of legal bingo games is only allowed in cities and counties that get added to Alabama’s state constitution with an amendment.
Non-profit bingo is currently legal in 18 out of Alabama’s 67 counties.
Social Gaming at Home
Playing social games at home or any physical location is legal as long nobody takes rake.
State law considers simple gambling in any form a Class C misdemeanor.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
All forms of simple gambling, including poker, are illegal, as mentioned in the section above. Even tribal casinos operating in the state do not offer live poker.
There are also no forms of state-regulated online poker in Alabama. If you want to play poker in AL, only online poker rooms are available.
Eight-Liners
Any form of electronic gambling machine, including eight-liners operating outside of a tribal casino or off-track betting location, is illegal.
The state began cracking down on unlawful video gambling machines with a series of raids starting in 2003 led by Police Chief Anthony Everage.
Casino Cruises
Casino cruises are not operational here.
Residents looking for the casino cruise experience must travel to neighboring Louisiana, Georgia, or Florida to find an active casino cruise.
Real Money Online Casino Games for Alabama
Thanks to online gambling sites, your favorite casino games can all be played with real stakes and enjoyed on your computer or mobile device in Alabama.
Online Slots
Online slots are ideal for those looking for a wider variety of games and the convenience of playing from home.
The slot games offered by the online casinos featured on this page have various themes, bonus games, and jackpots, just like the slots found at land-based casinos do.
With hundreds of slots available, you’ll never have a shortage of new games to try.
Online Poker
The only way you can play poker in Alabama is online.
Online poker rooms run on poker networks shared across multiple sites, including other players from Alabama and worldwide. This large player pool ensures you can find a cash game or tournament in popular poker games like Texas Hold ’em.
Blackjack
AL residents can play blackjack safely at offshore online casinos.
Online real money blackjack comes in a handful of different varieties. Players can choose among game variants ranging from standard blackjack to versions with side bets or fewer decks, like double-deck blackjack.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are perfect for casino players who enjoy interacting with dealers and seeing their cards dealt with in real-time.
Since there are no legal table games or live dealers in Alabama, your only option to get this type of action will be to try out the live dealer section at an online casino.
Games with live dealers include baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. You place all of your real money bets electronically, but you’ll be able to see the dealer spinning the roulette wheel or dealing the cards on a live feed.
Other Available Games at Online Casinos in Alabama
Learn more about some other great games that you can find at AL online casinos.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Alabama Players
These are our favorite bonuses for AL players. They will help get you started in style.
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Alabama Online Gambling Laws
The Yellowhammer State has strict laws against most forms of gambling statewide.
It considers all forms of simple gambling on games of chance to be a misdemeanor and comes down even harder on the promoters of these types of games.
Alabama is one of only five states in the United States that still doesn’t have a legal state-regulated lottery.
With so many regulations against retail gambling, it should come as no surprise that there are no legal state-operated forms of online gambling. However, the law doesn’t address casinos licensed outside the state, so AL residents can still gamble safely online.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Alabama?
No laws in Alabama expressly prohibit state residents from gambling at online casinos, poker rooms, or sportsbooks outside of state lines.
The only form of legal online gambling available to casino players in Alabama is offshore-based online casinos.
Simple Gambling Is a Misdemeanor
According to the Alabama Code Section 13A-12-21, a person is guilty of simple gambling if they “advance or profit from unlawful gambling activity as a player.”
Anyone who partakes in simple gambling in Alabama is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
Promoting Gambling Is a More Serious Crime
Players who gamble in Alabama are guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
The person promoting gambling by “knowingly advancing or profiting from unlawful gambling activity otherwise than as a player” is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, which is the highest level of misdemeanor right below a felony.
You can find more information about this in the AL Code section 13A-12-22.
Pari-mutuel Wagering Is Legal
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing is legal in Alabama.
According to section 11-65-28 of the Alabama Code, wagering on races can only occur at licensed locations, and all pari-mutuel bets will be subject to a “takeout” from the pool that pays players.
Disclaimer
Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Alabama Online Gambling vs. Neighbouring States
Alabama is in a section of the US with some of the strictest gambling laws nationwide. Here’s a breakdown of how AL gambling laws compare to some of the states surrounding it.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Gray Area | Tribal Only | Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Mississippi | Gray Area | Legal | Legal | Legal (Limited) | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Tennessee | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Georgia | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
Tennessee is the only neighboring state that has made any progress on online gambling in recent years, as it legalized online sports betting in 2019.
Alabama legalized daily fantasy sports that same year but has shown no signs of legalizing any other types of online gambling anytime soon.
Alabama is the only state among its neighbors not to have a state lottery and to limit its in-state tribal casinos to only slots.
Tips for Playing at Online Casinos in Alabama Safely
There are many different things to consider when choosing the right gambling site. Consider these tips before playing at online casinos in Alabama to ensure you select the right site for your needs.
Confirm Game Transparency
Reputable online casinos provide detailed game information, including software developer details, game rules, and odds. Ensure transparency by exploring displayed games.
Verify SSL Encryption
Prioritize your security by ensuring the casino uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption or similar technologies to safeguard personal and payment data.
Review Reputation
Opt for well-reviewed online casinos, particularly seeking opinions from fellow Georgia residents and US players to gauge reliability and enjoyment.
Examine Banking Options
Different online casinos offer varying deposit and withdrawal methods. Confirm that your preferred banking options are available before making a choice.
Prioritize Responsible Gambling
Look for casinos with resources such as help websites and self-imposed limit options, emphasizing responsible gambling practices for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Check for Licensing
Verify the casino’s licensing in the countries they operate in. If it’s not readily available, contact customer service for detailed information.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Alabama
Tribal casinos and off-track betting locations help prevent Alabama from being a gambling wasteland.
AL residents won’t be able to find a legal casino table game, poker game, or even a lottery, but they can play slots and bet on horse and dog races at select locations.
Here are some of the biggest pros and cons of gambling in the state.
Pros
- Tribal casinos have slot games.
- Betting on horse racing and dog racing is legal at off-track betting locations.
- Online offshore casinos deliver reliable casino gaming and online poker to AL locals.
- Daily Fantasy Sports are legal throughout Alabama.
- Charitable bingo games are legal in 18 of Alabama’s 67 counties.
Cons
- State-regulated online gaming is limited.
- Tribal casinos and off-track betting locations do not offer table games, poker, or sports betting.
Future of Online Gambling in Alabama: Our Prediction
Alabama outlawed paid Daily Fantasy Sports in 2016.
Three years later, the state reversed course and legalized daily fantasy games by passing House Bill 361 in June 2019. There was hope that this rare victory for online gambling could pave the way to legalize other forms of online gambling.
Progress has yet to be made since then, however. Legislation such as Senate Bills 293 and 294 proposed in 2022 aimed to legalize a state lottery and retail sports betting failed to advance out of the AL senate.
There hasn’t been any natural legal movement toward expanding retail gambling or online gambling since the passing of House Bill 361.
Even if Alabama legalizes sports betting at some point, it’s difficult to see a path forward for state-regulated online casino gambling. The state has taken a hard stance against unregulated video gambling machines and has limited the type of casino games offered at tribal casinos.
Offshore online casinos operating outside Alabama’s jurisdiction may be the only reliable form of online casino gambling available to AL residents for many years.
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Answers to Alabama Gambling FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Alabama online gambling.
Little to none. There are no laws in Alabama specifically prohibiting gambling at offshore casinos, and there is no precedent for legal action against AL residents who do so.
The legal age for land-based casinos is 21, while the legal age for pari-mutuel betting is 19. If you want to gamble online, you’ll need to be 18 or older, depending on the site.
Monies won gambling in Alabama are legally considered income and are subject to income tax at both state and federal levels. You are legally responsible for reporting and claiming online casino gambling winnings as income.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.