Senate Begins Debate On Gov. Bentley’s Lottery Bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Alabama Senate has begun debate on Gov. Robert Bentley’s proposal to start a state lottery.

Bentley is seeking to put a lottery to the first statewide vote since Alabamians voted down a lottery in 1999. Senators could vote on the bill sometime Friday evening.

The bill would steer the projected $225 million in yearly lottery revenue to the state’s general fund.

The proposal needs 21 yes votes to clear the 35-member Alabama Senate and move to the House of Representatives.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he was uncertain if the bill could meet that threshold.

Alabama is one of six states without a lottery