An editorial in the Montgomery Advertiser points out why chances of a state lottery in Alabama might be pretty slim, even though two-thrids of Alabamians favor a state lottery to benefit education.
The results of the state's most recent vote on a lottery could make many legislators reluctant to tackle the issue again. Despite polls that showed a majority of citizens supported a lottery in 1999, voters still soundly rejected it after questions were raised about how it would be administered by the administration of former Gov. Don Siegelman. The Alabama Christian Coalition mounted a strong campaign against a lottery the last time around (...) While the poll shows a majority of Alabamians support a lottery, the opposition was highest (but still a minority) among respondents who identified themselves as strong Republicans or strong conservatives, just the groups that provide the base of support for Gov. Bob Riley and Republicans in the Legislature. Without the strong support of a governor, lottery legislation would be difficult to get through the Legislature and approved by the voters in a referendum.
The article gives a lot of insight into the everyday wheeling and dealing in politics. But, a "lottery to increase funding for education" might not be as good as it sounds. Florida officials managed to decrease public funding for schools, and using the funds from the lottery to replace it. Thus, the lottery arguably didn't make as much difference as it should have.
Note that certain kinds of gambling are already allowed in Alabama: dog tracks and the Indian gaming parlors in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery.
