Political action committees associated with leading sports betting companies are contributing substantial amounts to campaigns in Alabama as discussions about potential gambling expansion heat up.
Campaigns in Alabama are witnessing a surge in funding from gambling interests outside the state, as various industry groups prepare for a possible push to broaden gambling opportunities in one of the U.S.'s most restrictive markets.
According to campaign finance records, political action committees (PACs) linked to major sports betting entities have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to candidates across the state.
One notable contributor, the Montgomery-based SV&B PAC, has reportedly given $718,500 to various candidates since January 2025, as highlighted by a report from 1819 News, which referenced data from the Alabama Secretary of State.
Additionally, the Sports Betting Alliance, a group that advocates for gambling and represents major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, has contributed over $1.25 million to SV&B PAC during the same timeframe.
The top recipients of contributions from SV&B PAC include:
- State Senator Jay Hovey (R-Auburn) – $50,000
- State Senate candidate Doug Harwell – $45,000
- State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) – $40,000
- Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) – $35,000
- State Representative James Lomax (R-Huntsville) – $30,000
Critics have pointed to these donations as evidence of the growing influence of the gambling industry on Alabama politics. Former state Senator Rusty Glover, who is contesting Harwell for Senate District 34, commented, “Gambling empires are placing their bets on legislative candidates they think they can easily sway to act against the interests of Alabama citizens.”
Former U.S. Representative Mo Brooks, who is running against Lomax in House District 20, accused the PACs of “laundering” funds to obscure the true origins of the donations, stating, “What we’re witnessing with the laundering of this gambling empire money is merely the tip of the iceberg regarding how public policy is influenced by special interest groups in Montgomery.”
Despite the influx of cash, some lawmakers assert that these contributions do not sway their views on gambling policy. Hovey emphasized that his stance will be guided by “common sense” rather than financial incentives, advocating for a public vote on gambling expansion.
“Every day, numerous Alabamians travel through my district to buy Georgia lottery tickets, contributing to Georgia’s educational funding,” he noted.
Lomax echoed this sentiment, insisting that external campaign funding does not alter his position. He stated he would oppose gambling expansion but acknowledged its presence in Alabama through prediction markets like Kalshi.
“The people of Alabama deserve the chance to vote and express their opinions on a lottery, whether for or against,” he remarked.
Elliott added that contributions from interest groups are a standard aspect of political campaigns, stating, “Unfortunately, fundraising is part of campaigning, but I base all my votes on my conscience and conservative values.”