Best Alabama Sportsbooks April 2024
| Online Sportsbooks · States · Alabama |
Alabama is one of the most conservative states when it comes to gambling or online casinos. As a result, there hasn’t been any official ruling on whether Alabama sportsbooks can go legal. Lawmakers have put tremendous effort into this matter over the years but to no avail.
On February 15, 2024, the Alabama House approved a comprehensive gambling expansion package to legalize in-person and online sports betting, licenses for up to ten brick-and-mortar casinos, and a state lottery.
However, in early March 2024, the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee removed casinos and sports betting from its proposed gambling bill, leaving only the possibility of a lottery. (Alabama is currently one of five states in the U.S. that does not have a lottery.) The bill passed the Senate and is now in the House.
WHY CAN'T I BET IN ALABAMA?
There have been many attempts to legalize AL sports betting in recent years, and none of them succeeded. A bill titled HB 336 would have created a gambling commission for the state if it passed. At which time, many Alabama sportsbooks would have seized that opportunity to take over the market. It seems Alabama sportsbooks have to wait another day.
Betting in Alabama has always had severe limitations. The handful of brick-and-mortar casinos and their few thousand slots are the extent of what you can play. Thus, it looks like the Yellowhammer State will have to wait a while for Alabama online sports betting to go live. Should things change in the future, we’ll likely see the rise of Alabama betting sites.
CONTENTS
- Alabama Daily Fantasy Sports
- Most Likely AL Sportsbooks
- Alabama Sports Betting Laws
- AL Sports Betting Future
- Betting Markets & Events
- Alabama Sports Teams
- FAQ - Alabama Sportsbooks
- Conclusion
DAILY FANTASY SPORTS IN ALABAMA
Before the pursuit for legalization of Alabama sportsbooks, daily fantasy sports (DFS) was widely played. It used to be a lot simpler when DFS was only about football. You get to build a custom team with any players in the entire NFL and earn points based on their performance.
Since it was a skill-based game, most states allowed DFS sites. Then, online sports betting became a thing, and sites like FanDuel started sponsoring the whole scene. It’s one of the reasons why the Yellowhammer State has yet to open up to it.
The presence of Daily Fantasy Sports would do wonders for the Alabama online sportsbook market. With the addition of high-stakes wagers on top of the regular fantasy schedule, betting in Alabama could prove to be an entertaining pastime. Another fantastic thing about DFS is most sites offer very high odds and attractive welcome bonuses. That’s what Alabama sportsbooks would need to have once they hit the online market.
MOST LIKELY ALABAMA SPORTSBOOKS
While Alabama sportsbooks are not legal, residents can still access platforms outside of the state. We won’t see any Alabama sportsbooks that operate within state borders for a while. Should things change, we hope to see more Alabama betting sites with some good action.
When Alabama finally decides to allow online sports betting, we’ll see some of the most popular bookmakers making their way in. These sportsbooks are the dominators of the market in other states. Most of them have a good reputation for game variety and odds. If they manage to obtain a license to operate, they’ll likely offer Alabama sports betting apps as well.
Here are some of the most likely Alabama sports betting platforms that will go live once it’s legal:
FANDUEL
FanDuel Sportsbook used to specialize in fantasy football, but now, this sports betting site offers the whole deal. It launched in 2009 but is only available in a few states. There’s a wide range of betting options and exclusive bonuses. It’s one of the highest-rated Alabama sportsbooks in terms of gameplay.
FanDuel is one of those sites that provides a full scope of legal betting to eligible states. Once it’s legalized in AL, you’ll see a lot of action going mobile.
DRAFTKINGS
Like FanDuel, DraftKings started as a fantasy league football platform. After some time, the developers decided to go all out. Now, it’s got all the popular betting activities and a variety of wagers.
DraftKings is also known for its generosity. Betting in Alabama will certainly benefit from the presence of this site.
FOX BET
Though relatively new compared to the Alabama betting sites on this list, FOX Bet sportsbook offers competitive gameplay. Launched in 2019, this would-be Alabama sportsbooks is the combined product of FOX Sports and BetStars. These two brands joined forces to bring players even more than either one of them could accomplish.
When FOX Bet comes to the state, Alabama sports betting will become a lot more entertaining. This site has a unique take on the game and some amazing bonuses.
BETMGM
BetMGM launched as a partnership between GVC Holdings and MGM. It was a good decision as the site went on to become one of the largest sportsbooks in America. Alabama sportsbooks would gain much diversity upon the arrival of BetMGM Sportsbook. There are tons of wagering options and wide ranges of odds.
BetMGM would make one of the best Alabama sportsbooks since it knows how to keep players around. On top of huge bonuses, you also get frequent free bets and other promotions.
ALABAMA BETTING LAWS
Alabama sportsbooks aren't legal as the state bans all forms of internet gambling. That includes online casinos and other Alabama betting sites. Unlike most states, there aren’t any specific laws here that address the act of real money gambling. Lawmakers tend to have differing opinions when it comes to whether or not you can bet on sports while in the state, but we're hoping that they settle on the side of "yes."
States where you can already place an online sports bet today:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Updated on : 04/19/2024
FUTURE OF ALABAMA ONLINE SPORTS BETTING
Legislators have been trying to legalize Alabama sportsbooks for some time.
In 2022, Senate Bill 293 and Senate Bill 294—which would have authorized an Alabama state lottery and online sports betting—failed in the House.
In February 2024, House Bill 152 was introduced. This potential change would allow sports betting, a state lottery overseen by the Alabama Lottery Corporation, and casino-style gambling at physical locations. In addition, a Gaming Enforcement Division would be created to monitor statewide gaming activities. Licenses for casino-style gaming and sports betting in Alabama would be issued to pre-selected counties. HB 152 also includes specifications for state tax on winnings from sports wagers and casino games.
The introduction of HB 152 follows Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's vocal support of casinos and lottery initiatives, as well as her attempts to end illegal gambling operations.
On February 15, 2024, the Alabama House approved a comprehensive gambling expansion package to legalize in-person and online sports betting, licenses for up to ten brick-and-mortar casinos, and a state lottery. One day prior, the legislation unanimously passed the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee. With these changes, Alabama residents could've bet on professional and college sports as well as esports events. Casino revenue would have been taxed at 24% and sports betting revenue would have been taxed at 17%.
However, as of March 2024, the latest proposal would only allow for some gambling at existing Alabama racetracks and bingo halls. The bill passed 22 to 11 in the Senate and is now in the House. With a special election on September 10, voters will have a chance to approve the measure.
ALABAMA ONLINE SPORTS BETTING: EVENTS, BETTING MARKETS
While betting isn’t legal as of 2020, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any exciting events. You can watch all major league games here, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and many others. Minor league sports, like the NCAA, are quite popular in Alabama sportsbooks. You’ll find odds for these games in most Alabama betting sites.
Betting in Alabama mainly takes place at traditional casinos. There are gaming events and conventions year-round for avid casino players. While you won’t find any legal Alabama sportsbooks, most casinos here offer a mobile platform for free social games. Betting may not be available yet, but fans can still watch their favorite teams play at the stadiums.
POPULAR ALABAMA EVENTS
Here are some leagues and events that Alabamans may be able to enjoy if online sports betting goes legal:
- National Football League (NFL)
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- College Football (NCAA)
- College Basketball (NCAA)
- Track Racing
- Flag Football
- Golf (Alumni Association)
BETTING ON PRO SPORTS TEAMS IN ALABAMA
Alabama is one of the biggest states that still doesn’t have a major league sports team. Instead, fans here support their home college, and thus prefer college sports. However, that doesn’t mean people don’t watch professional sports, such as the NFL. There’s still a lot of action in Alabama betting sites that operate nationally.
Betting in Alabama will involve mostly the minor league, like the NCAA divisions. The odds for these games aren’t usually reliable unless it’s one of the biggest Alabama sportsbooks. You can bet on major league games as well. They have a bigger market and more betting options for veteran players.
NFL BETTING IN ALABAMA
Football has the biggest share in the American betting market due to its diverse spreads and money lines. When Alabama sports betting goes live, remember to head over to the NFL section. These games dominate all the DFS, including mobile platforms. Some players prefer to bet on software because it’s easier to keep track of your betslip.
Atlanta Falcons Betting
Yes, Alabamans do root for the Falcons. They are one of the hottest teams in the South. With Matt Ryan at the helm, Atlanta is looking at many good seasons to come. An almost flawless streak preceded their 2016 Super Bowl appearance. The discerning legal sports bettor would benefit from the action the Falcons could bring to the table.
NBA BETTING IN ALABAMA
The Alabama sports betting market doesn’t heavily focus on basketball, but definitely has a showing for this classically American sport. NBA games are high-scoring but have very low spreads. That makes it a guessing game for most new players. If you decide to invest in basketball, choose the Alabama betting sites with the best odds. Also, go for games with the largest point spreads for higher payouts.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting
Fans in the Yellowhammer State have mixed opinions on who’s their favorite NBA team. Your best option is to go for the neighboring team. The Grizzlies have yet to earn a conference title, so it should be any time now that they pull a surprise win on everyone. As a result of their performance, you should get reasonable odds on their games.
NHL BETTING IN ALABAMA
Though winter sports aren’t that popular in Alabama, the action is always hot. Ice hockey will have a major section on most Alabama sportsbooks. Due to the low-scoring games and large puck lines, NHL games can be easier to jump into for betting enthusiasts.
Nashville Predators Betting
Betting in Alabama wouldn’t be that exciting without putting some money on the Predators, who have a reputation for resilience. Though the Stanley Cup hasn’t made it into their hands, the team plays better every season.
MLB BETTING IN ALABAMA
Alabama sports betting attracts a lot of baseball action. The MLB have bred more sports legends than almost any other sport. As the scoring is such a flexible system, you can find all kinds of juicy odds for these games.
Major league baseball would definitely make a tremendous addition to the online betting markets.
Atlanta Braves Betting
The Braves have a collection of West and East division titles and three World Series appearances. Bettors would welcome this team with open arms. You can’t go wrong with the Braves, but watch out for the much higher underdog payouts you’d be playing against.
OTHER ALABAMA TEAMS TO BET ON
Professional teams aren’t the only betting options for fans in the Yellowhammer State. There are also quite a few college teams to look forward to betting on once the state legalizes sports betting.
BETTING ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL IN ALABAMA
Alabama is a huge place for college ball, especially since they don't have any pro teams of their own. The love for their schools ranks these games pretty high in the Alabama online sports betting sites. Teams include:
BETTING ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL IN ALABAMA
Any plate of Alabama athletics wouldn’t be complete without college basketball. Like the NBA, you can find college games on most sports betting apps.
ALABAMA ONLINE SPORTS BETTING FAQ
Check out the following FAQs to learn more about Alabama online sports betting.
WHERE CAN I BET ON SPORTS IN ALABAMA?
Alabama sports betting has yet to be legalized.
IS SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN ALABAMA?
No. Alabama sports betting and anything associated with it is illegal. That said, Alabama online sports betting isn’t criminalized. Playing on Alabama sports betting apps will not land you in jail, but not recommended.
HOW DO I WITHDRAW MY WINNINGS IN ALABAMA?
If you’re playing on future Alabama sports betting apps, you can request a withdrawal under the payment tab. The current Alabama sports betting regulations do not allow such activity, however.
CAN I BET ONLINE ON MY PHONE IN ALABAMA?
Alabama online sports betting is still not legal, so you cannot place a bet anywhere while in the state. Betting in Alabama is legal as long as you’re at a casino and of legal gambling age.
WHEN WILL ALABAMA LEGALIZE GAMBLING?
The future of Alabama sports betting is still uncertain. While many attempts have failed, lawmakers will likely continue on their quest.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BETTING IN ALABAMA
Although sports betting is not yet legal in Alabama, the story is not over. The increasing nationwide trend likely points to future sportsbook legislation in the state. When it does happen, you can expect Alabama sportsbooks to be a welcome boon to eligible fans across the state.