Alabama lawmakers try to pass lottery legislation every year. So far, these attempts have been unsuccessful. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic induced recession, an Alabama Lottery is looking more appealing than ever as state officials need to generate revenue.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s Study Group on Gambling Policy heard a presentation on how much revenue a lottery could generate. David Barden, CEO of New Mexico Lottery Authority, gave the presentation. It projected annual sales of $1 billion, which would roughly net the state $280 million after prizes and retailer commissions were paid out.
Barden said lottery legislation should allow the lottery to be flexible, including allowing it to add new games and adapt to new technology as necessary.