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Alabama maintains some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the US. Most forms of online gambling are illegal, including online casinos, sports betting, and poker. However, limited land-based tribal casinos operate under federal compacts, and online horse betting and social casinos remain accessible to residents. This guide breaks down what's legal, what's not, and where Alabamians can safely access permitted gambling options.
The minimum gambling age in Alabama is 21 for tribal casinos and 18 for online horse betting. Most other gambling activities remain illegal, with no lottery or state-regulated online platforms.
The table below outlines the legal status of all major gambling types in Alabama, both online and in person.
| Gambling Activity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | Illegal |
No licensed online casino platforms permitted by Alabama law. |
| Land-Based Casinos | Limited |
Only Class II tribal casinos like Wind Creek (bingo-style games). |
| Online Sports Betting | Illegal |
No legislation permitting online sportsbooks. |
| In-Person Sports Betting | Illegal |
No retail sportsbooks allowed anywhere in Alabama. |
| Online Poker | Illegal |
Online poker sites are not licensed or recognized in Alabama. |
| Live Poker Rooms | Illegal |
No regulated poker rooms or legal cardrooms. |
| Online Horse Betting | Legal |
Sites like TVG, TwinSpires operate legally under federal carve-outs. |
| Horse Racing Tracks (In Person) | Limited |
Some former tracks operate simulcast or greyhound-only options. |
| Social Casinos | Legal |
Sweepstakes and free-to-play casinos are accessible and allowed. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Unregulated |
No DFS law. Some operators withdrew in 2016, others still operate. |
| Online Bingo | Unregulated |
No Alabama law directly addresses online bingo; some social or sweepstakes-style platforms are accessible. |
| In-Person Bingo | Limited |
Allowed in select counties and tribal casinos under strict regulation, primarily for charitable purposes. |
| Lottery (Retail Tickets) | Illegal |
Alabama does not have a state lottery or sell any tickets. |
| Online Lottery | Illegal |
No online ticket sales or subscriptions available to residents. |
Online sports betting is illegal. Attempts to legalize it have stalled in the legislature, and no regulated sportsbooks operate online.
Retail sportsbooks are not permitted. No venues currently offer in-person sports wagering.
Online casino gambling is illegal. Alabama has not passed any legislation to license or regulate internet-based slots, table games, or real-money platforms.
Tribal casinos such as the Wind Creek properties offer Class II gaming (primarily electronic bingo). Traditional slot machines and table games are not available.
Below, you'll find a map and listings of the most popular land-based casinos, including Wind Creek locations in Wetumpka, Montgomery, and Atmore.
Online poker is prohibited. The state does not license poker platforms or participate in interstate agreements.
No legal poker rooms exist. Even home games may violate Alabama law depending on the stakes and organization.
Residents can legally bet on horse races online via federally authorized platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing.
Most of Alabama's former horse and greyhound tracks are closed. A few offer simulcast wagering or operate under limited conditions.
Permitted in select counties and tribal casinos for charitable purposes. These include Class II bingo machines at Wind Creek locations.
Alabama law does not explicitly allow or ban online bingo. Some sweepstakes-style bingo sites operate without enforcement.
Sweepstakes and social casinos like Chumba and LuckyLand are legal and accessible. These platforms use virtual currency with prize redemption options.
DFS is unregulated. Major operators exited in 2016 following legal pressure, but a few still serve Alabama in a gray area.
Alabama does not operate a state lottery and does not sell any retail tickets. It also does not participate in multi-state draws like Powerball or Mega Millions.
No online ticket sales or subscriptions are available due to the absence of a state lottery.
Alabama has maintained strict anti-gambling laws since its founding, banning most forms of betting under the state constitution. Tribal gaming emerged in the 1980s through the federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians, leading to the state's only operating casinos. Despite multiple legislative attempts over the years, no significant expansion has been approved.
Alabama does not operate a state-funded responsible gambling program. However, residents can access national resources such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the 24/7 helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Even though online casinos and sportsbooks are illegal in Alabama, residents can still access sweepstakes and social casinos. It's important to approach these platforms responsibly and recognize signs of problematic play.
What online gambling is legal in Alabama?
Online casinos and poker sites remain off-limits in Alabama. However, residents can still access legal options like sweepstakes casinos, DFS platforms, and pari-mutuel horse betting.
How is gambling regulated in Alabama?
There's no specific regulatory body overseeing online gambling in Alabama. Most enforcement comes through blocking unlicensed operators or prosecuting local facilitators.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Alabama?
Yes. Sweepstakes casinos like WOW Vegas and Pulsz are legal in Alabama since they operate under promotional contest laws - not traditional gambling laws.
Does Alabama have any licensed casinos?
Yes, but they are tribal-run Class II casinos (mostly electronic bingo). Wind Creek locations in Wetumpka, Atmore, and Montgomery are the most well-known options.
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