Key Lottery Vote Looms In Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Lottery legislation is heading to a critical vote in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The Thursday vote could determine if a proposed state lottery goes before voters later this year or if the bill dies in the special session.

House members on Thursday will debate Gov. Robert Bentley’s proposed state lottery. Bentley is seeking the first statewide referendum on a lottery since voters rejected the idea in 1999.

The Senate passed the bill last week without a vote to spare, and the House vote is expected to be close.

There is also uncertainty over whether the measure could get on the November ballot if approved by lawmakers.

The House convenes at 10 a.m.