MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Monday issued Executive Order Number 24 creating the Alabama Advisory Council on Gaming. The Council will assess the current state and local laws on gambling, as well as the taxes generated therefrom, and will evaluate the best practices in other states, including the tax revenue structures and the [...]]]>

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Monday issued Executive Order Number 24 creating the Alabama Advisory Council on Gaming. The Council will assess the current state and local laws on gambling, as well as the taxes generated therefrom, and will evaluate the best practices in other states, including the tax revenue structures and the enabling and implementing regulations and laws, as well as compare Alabama state laws to applicable federal gaming laws.

The structure of the Council will include seven appointments by the Governor, two appointments by the Speaker of the House of two members of the Alabama House of Representatives, one Democrat and one Republican, two appointments by the President Pro Tem of the Senate of two members of the Alabama Senate, one Democrat and one Republican and additional appointments as the Governor deems necessary. In addition, the Council will include one representative of the Alabama Sheriffs Association, appointed by the Governor and one representative of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, appointed by the Governor.

“Gaming in Alabama has been a long-term subject of dispute and controversy,” said Governor Bentley. “This Council will work to provide a fresh perspective on past efforts and a clear path forward as it pertains to gaming in the State of Alabama.”

In the near future, the Governor will name his appointees and set a date for the first meeting. The Council will present findings and recommendations on gaming to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House by January 31, 2017.