Republican candidates for Alabama’s House District 11 take a firm stance against gambling expansion, potentially shaping the future of the industry in the state.
Key Takeaways:
- GOP candidates for HD11 strongly oppose gambling expansion and state lottery
- Concerns raised about sports betting’s impact on youth and low-income individuals
- Candidates argue gambling expansion would increase government oversight
HD11 Candidates Voice Anti-Gambling Sentiments
In recent public events, Republican candidates for House District 11, Heath Allbright and Don Fallin, have expressed strong opposition to expanding gambling and introducing a state lottery in Alabama. Despite the issue being [may be dead](https://1819news.com/news/item/state-sen-albritton-on-gambling-bills-death-in-2025-session-its-been-dead-for-25-years-why-not-another-20) for the 2025 regular session, it remains a topic of concern for current and future lawmakers.
Allbright, drawing from his entrepreneurial experience, stated at a Cullman County Republican Women’s meeting, ‘When I was 25 years old, I started Brighton Forest Services with very little or no money. That was gambling enough for me.’ He emphasized that gambling has never been a part of his family’s activities.
Sports Betting Concerns
A particular point of contention for Allbright is sports betting and its potential impact on younger generations. He expressed worry about the accessibility of sports betting [on their phones](https://1819news.com/news/item/house-lawmakers-pass-school-cell-phone-ban-i-think-this-is-going-to-be-a-game-changer), which could lead to identity theft and other negative consequences.
Fallin echoed these concerns, noting that regulating online sports betting would require federal intervention. He added that even with safety measures in place, underage users could still find ways to circumvent them. Fallin emphasized that the age group most affected by online sports betting is 21-25 years old.
Socioeconomic Impact and Government Oversight
Both candidates highlighted the potential negative socioeconomic effects of expanded gambling. Fallin argued that introducing lottery or scratch-offs would disproportionately impact lower-income individuals, potentially exacerbating existing economic challenges.
Furthermore, Fallin characterized gambling as a ‘complicated issue’ that would lead to an increase in the size and power of the state government. He stated, ‘The goal is to reduce government oversight and reduce government spending,’ suggesting that gambling expansion runs counter to these objectives.
Looking Ahead
The primary for the HD11 special election is scheduled for May 13, with the general election following in August. As the debate over gambling expansion continues in Alabama, the stance of these candidates could significantly influence the future of the industry in the state.
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