Alabama Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in AL
The state of Alabama has a long history of gambling that can be traced back to the days before it achieved statehood. Despite this, the legal status of gambling in the state has been fraught with ambiguity and inconsistency over time. In recent years, however, Alabama has made strides toward legalizing certain forms of gambling such as casinos, card games, and some forms of sports betting.
This article will explore the current laws surrounding casino gambling in the state and where you can gamble in Alabama.
Related reading: Alabama online casinos
Overview of Gambling Laws
Alabama has a complicated legal relationship with gambling that dates back to 1820 when Governor William Wyatt Bibb signed a law prohibiting nearly every form of gambling within its borders. Over the following decades, this ban was loosened somewhat to permit official lotteries beginning in 1846 and parimutuel betting in 1973.
Other forms of gambling were still outlawed until 1999 when a Supreme Court ruling allowed Native American tribes to operate casinos subject to regulations put forth by both federal and state governments. However, despite this breakthrough, there were still some ambiguities surrounding other forms such as card games or slot machines–coincidentally both found at casinos–that remain unresolved.
Tribal Gaming
In 1984 Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) which granted federally recognized tribes within the United States sovereignty over certain forms of gaming on their reservations if approved by states under certain conditions. As such, several Native American groups within Alabama sought out negotiations with the state government during the early 2000s and ultimately produced agreements allowing them to operate Class III facilities like full-scale casinos complete with slot machines and table games like blackjack or craps.
These agreements also included an agreement for revenue sharing between the parties involved where part of all profits would go directly towards securing services such as health care or education for members of each tribe who are citizens of Alabama.
List of Casinos in Alabama
Windcreek Casino Atmore
Windcreek Atmore is a premier Native American gaming experience in Alabama. Situated on the shoreline of Mobile Bay near the Florida border this upscale resort offers plenty of gaming opportunities including card tables, video poker machines, electronic bingo, and slots. In addition to gaming activities guests can enjoy luxury spa treatments plus access to sandy white beaches and nearby attractions such as golf courses and shopping centers. Windcreek Atmore is one of the best casinos in Alabama and is highly recommended to all types of gamblers.
Windcreek Casino Wetumpka
The Windcreek Wetumpka Casino & Hotel is another option for those looking for gambling fun in Alabama! This beautiful location contains an 85,000-square-foot gaming floor with over 2,500 slot machines plus card tables and video poker machines offering all the latest games. The hotel also offers luxurious lodging at reasonable prices as well as several restaurants ranging from casual grills with tasty snacks to fine dining establishments serving gourmet delights. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling night out or an elegant dinner experience Windcreek Wetumpka has something for everyone!
Windcreek Casino Montgomery
The Wind Creek Montgomery Casino & Hotel is the last of the three Wind Creek locations throughout Alabama but by no means the least impressive! This vibrant facility contains more than 1,600 electronic gaming machines including slots along with more traditional table games like blackjack and roulette, plus electronic variations thereof. For staying visitors, this establishment offers luxurious lodging complete with high-speed internet access while diners can choose from various restaurants providing food ranging from simple snacks all way up to five-star fare cooked to perfection.
Victoryland Casino Shorter
Victoryland Casino in Shorter, Alabama is a great destination for anyone looking for gaming and entertainment. The casino has a variety of slots, tables, and bingo games, as well as live simulcast greyhound racing events. The casino also boasts delicious dining options from casual snacks to fine dining favorites. Victoryland offers multiple levels of accommodation, from hotel rooms to fully furnished apartments. It’s also conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Montgomery, making it an ideal spot for day trips or weekend getaways.