Lottery bill heads to key Alabama House vote

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A proposal to start a state lottery in Alabama is heading to a key vote in the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers are expected to debate the bill Tuesday afternoon.

The proposed constitutional amendment would authorize a state lottery played with paper tickets but not with video lottery terminals.

The lottery legislation faces an uncertain outlook. Some conservative lawmakers are opposed to legalized gambling, and other legislators want to allow electronic gambling terminals.

House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said last week he expects a close vote.

The proposal would steer 75% of lottery proceeds to the general fund and 25% to the education budget.

If approved by the Alabama Legislature, Alabamians would vote on the measure next year.

Alabama is one of five states without a state lottery.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)