(AsiaGameHub) –   Alabama’s Senate race is growing more intense, with the current topic of debate centered on gambling legalization in the state. Terry Waters—a political newcomer and candidate for Alabama Senate District 22—is taking an unwavering position against any plans to expand legal gaming in the state should he be elected. State Senator Greg Albritton, who has served for almost a decade as the Alabama Senate’s primary author of sweeping gaming legislation, is Waters’ key adversary on this issue.

First-Time Candidate Terry Waters Maintains Unwavering Opposition to Gambling

Waters stated that he intends to hold a firm position on gambling, describing it as an issue he cares deeply about and will stand by no matter what. He also made it clear that he would not back a statewide referendum on the subject.

Waters—who sits on the board of the Baldwin County branch of the Alabama Farmers Federation and has received endorsements from the group’s chapters in Baldwin, Mobile, Washington, and Escambia counties—shared that he first joined the race without a firm opinion and was open to what he called a “clean lottery proposal.”

He later came to the conclusion that no such proposal exists, noting that all types of gambling are interconnected. He also contended that legalizing gambling in the state would lack adequate oversight and disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.

Alabama’s Complex History with Gambling

Senator Greg Albritton has long been a vocal advocate for bringing gambling to the state. In 2024, he sponsored an extensive proposal that would have permitted a state lottery, up to seven casinos, electronic gaming devices, and a formal agreement with the Poarch Creek Indians.

In 2025, he put forward follow-up legislation projecting roughly $750 million in yearly revenue from a lottery, Class II electronic gaming at current racetracks, sports betting, and a tribal pact. He has maintained that comprehensive laws aren’t about supporting gambling, but instead about regulating the limited gambling activities already present in Alabama.

Right now, Alabama has four casinos—three of which are run by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Additionally, multiple locations in the state operate “electronic bingo” halls; under state law, these are defined as casino-style machines legally classified as bingo games via local constitutional amendments.

Albritton isn’t the only Alabama lawmaker pushing for expanded gambling in the state. In February, Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman introduced a bill that would let Alabama voters decide whether they want gambling in the state.

When discussing a vote on the issue, Albritton noted that it ultimately boils down to letting Alabama’s residents make the call. He said he would allow voters to decide whether to create a lottery to fund college scholarships and other critical services, while asserting that Waters firmly opposes giving voters that choice.

No matter what happens next, it’s evident that debates over the legality and expansion of gambling in Alabama will persist. Even gubernatorial candidates have gotten involved—recent financial disclosures show that candidate Tommy Tuberville received substantial contributions linked to the gaming industry.