March 9, 2020 Group Watch: Gov’s Gambling Study Group Gets Started
A group appointed by Governor Ivey to study the amount of tax revenue and other consequences that would result from a lottery, casinos and other forms of gambling in Alabama has begun its work. The 12-member group is chaired by former Montgomery mayor Todd Strange. Group members signed a pledged saying they would not profit from their participation and had no known conflicts of interest. The governor has taken a hands-off approach to gambling issues. She has said she does not believe gambling is a good way to fund government services but also says she’s not opposed to a ballot referendum on the issues. The group is looking to learn what forms of gambling are possible and the benefits, revenue, costs and governance structure associated with each, studying the best practices from other states.
