Alabama Senate Candidate Pledges To Fight Against Casino Gambling

Posted on: April 22, 2026, 01:53h. 

Last updated on: April 22, 2026, 01:53h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • An Alabama state Senate candidate says he’ll oppose all gambling measures
  • Terry Waters’ May primary opponent is longtime incumbent Greg Albritton
  • Albritton has authored various gaming bills during his time in the Alabama Senate

The Alabama Legislature has adjourned for 2026, and once again, no legislation to authorize new forms of gambling in the Cotton State found favor in the bicameral body.

Alabama gambling state senate
A jazz musician statue in Mardi Gras Park in downtown Mobile, AL. A candidate for the Alabama Senate is pledging to keep gambling outside the Cotton State, something his incumbent opponent has sought to legalize. (Image: Shutterstock)

State Sen. Greg Albritton (R-District 22) has served in the Alabama Senate since November 2014.

During his time in the Legislature’s upper chamber, Albritton has repeatedly fought for various gaming options, including a state-run lottery, sports betting, commercial casinos, and a Class III compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Alabama’s lone federally recognized Native American community operates Wind Creek tribal casinos in Atmore, which Albritton’s District 22 includes, plus Montgomery and Wetumpka.

As Class I and II tribal casinos, as defined by the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the Wind Creek properties cannot offer traditional slot machines, live dealer table games, or sports gambling. They instead rely on electronic bingo-based games.

Albritton conceded in 2025 that it’s unlikely that the Alabama Legislature will get on board with any form of gambling anytime soon. It’s why he opted not to file a gaming bill in 2026 for the first time in years. However, there could be more to the story. 

Opponent Pledges Anti-Gambling Position 

Albritton is up for reelection this November. His opponent in the May Republican Primary, which will likely decide the November general contest, is Terry Waters. A political newcomer, Waters is a veteran, farmer, and small business owner. He’s also deeply opposed to gambling.

A pillar of Waters’ platform, according to his website, is a promise to his constituents that he will be a ‘no’ on any gambling bill.

I am a ‘no’ on gambling. That position is simple, and it’s firm,” said Waters.

“I do not believe Montgomery will ever get gambling right. Even when it’s put in front of voters, there are always strings attached and special interests involved. Gambling legislation ends up benefiting political insiders instead of families and communities. I don’t believe gambling is the right direction for Alabama,” Waters explained.

Waters’ strong stance against gambling could have provided added reason for Albritton to fold on a gaming bill this year, allowing him to tell voters who oppose gambling that it’s no longer a priority of his office.

Waters says the Poarch Creek Indians do a good job of running the local casinos and keeping gaming money in the state.

Do Alabama People Want Gambling?

Recent polling in Alabama suggests a majority of voters at least want the right to weigh in on a lottery and/or other gambling. But Alabama’s religious groups carry much weight in the Montgomery capital.

Pew Research Center ranks Alabama as the 8th most religious state, with more than one in two residents reporting that “religion is very important in their lives.”