Online Sports Betting in Alabama 2024

Online sports betting in Alabama is illegal for now. Despite recent legislative efforts, such as the passage of house bills in early 2024, the state has yet to legalize sports betting.

Meanwhile, Alabama residents can engage in daily fantasy sports, which remain legal and offer an alternative way to participate in sports-related wagering. Continue reading to discover not only the best options to do so, but also how to handle your taxable winnings efficiently.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Learn about the latest legislative efforts to change the current AL gambling situation.
• Discover which are the top sweepstakes betting sites in Alabama.
• Find out about the most popular sports teams in the state.

Best AL Sweepstakes Sportsbooks

Although Alabamians can’t bet on real-money online sportsbooks to place their bets, they can still make sports picks via sweepstakes bookmakers. Operating like a traditional sportsbook with a twist, these platforms are legal in the state. As they use a unique on-site currency, they are accessible to bettors.

Our team TrustnBet has gathered the best sweepstakes sports betting sites for Alabama:

Overview of Alabama Online Gambling

Gambling options in Alabama are limited due to strict state laws. Currently, both online and retail sports betting are prohibited, with no legal avenues to place traditional sports wagers. However, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests are allowed.

Alabama does host a few tribal casinos operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, though they don’t offer sports betting. For horse racing fans, live betting is permitted, although Alabama lacks active racetracks. Additionally, there is no state lottery.

For more details on each type of gambling in Alabama, see the table below:

Here’s a visually appealing version of the table for an overview of Alabama’s gambling options:

Gambling Type	Legal?	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Sportsbooks	No	Online sports betting is prohibited. Efforts to legalize face significant opposition.	—
Retail Sportsbooks	No	In-person sports betting remains illegal. Recent legislative attempts have stalled due to opposition.	—
Social Sportsbooks	Yes	Sweepstakes sportsbooks are allowed, offering a legal alternative with virtual currencies and prize winnings.	18
Horse Racing	Yes	Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing is legal, though Alabama has no operational racetracks.	18
Daily Fantasy Sports	Yes	DFS is allowed, letting players enjoy a similar betting experience to that of a traditional bookmaker.	18
Casino Gambling	Yes	Limited to tribal casinos offering electronic games and bingo; no traditional table games or sports betting.	21
Lottery	No	Alabama does not have a state lottery, and legislative efforts to establish one have failed.	—

Note: At the time of writing, only three tribal casinos are legally accessible to AL residents:

1. Wind Creek Wetumpka
2. Wind Creek Montgomery
3. Wind Creek Atmore

Popular Sports and Teams in Alabama

Although Alabama lacks professional sports teams in major leagues, the state is packed with a strong sports culture. Fans rally around both local teams and some smaller league franchises, with college athletics standing out as the state’s pride.

Here’s a closer look at the sports that define Alabama’s betting interests.

College Football

→ NCAAF Betting is a bet option for Alabama residents.

• The Alabama Crimson Tide from the University of Alabama is a powerhouse, drawing massive fan support and national attention. Players like Bryce Young, Alabama’s 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, and Will Anderson Jr. have taken their skills to the NFL, keeping the “Roll Tide!” spirit alive and making Crimson Tide games a major draw for fans and bettors alike.
• Minor League Football: Teams like the Alabama Blackhawks bring the excitement of football to local fans, providing more options for those interested in state football leagues.

Basketball

→ NBA Betting is a betting option for AL bettors.

Basketball fans have local teams to support, like the Magic City Surge in Birmingham, bringing a unique flair to Alabama’s sports scene. With their energetic play and dedicated following, the Surge attract attention from local sports enthusiasts, especially during league seasons.

Ice Hockey

→ Ice Hockey Betting is available.

For ice hockey fans, the Birmingham Bulls bring the thrill of the rink to Alabama. As a minor league team, the Bulls have a dedicated fan base, making hockey a unique addition to Alabama’s diverse sports culture.

Soccer

→ Soccer Betting is one of Alabamians’ option.

Soccer has grown in popularity in Alabama, with Huntsville City FC leading the charge in this emerging sports market. Their passionate fan base, combined with growing regional interest, makes Huntsville City FC a team to watch in Alabama’s sports landscape.

Roller Derby

→ Roller Derby Betting is also available.

Alabama’s sports culture includes the dynamic sport of roller derby, with teams like the Dixie Derby Girls offering a thrilling alternative to traditional sports. With high-energy bouts, they bring a unique touch to Alabama’s sports lineup.

Taxes Process for Alabama Bettors

According to the latest update, winnings are taxed as personal income per the Alabama Department of Revenue. The Alabama sports betting tax rate is based on income brackets, ranging from 2% to 5%.

Here’s how the tax percentages break down:

• 2% on income up to $500
• 4% on income up to $2,500
• 5% on income over $3,000

For joint filers, the rates are as follows:

• 2% on income up to $1,000
• 4% on income up to $5,000
• 5% on income over $6,000

For a deeper dive into the sports betting taxes process, check out our linked guide.

So, What’s Next for Online Sportsbooks in Alabama?

In early 2024, Alabama’s legislative push toward sports betting gained momentum, with new bills (151 and 152) proposing both a state lottery and legalized sports wagering. However, the Senate chose to move forward with only the lottery component, leaving sports betting unaddressed by the session’s end.

Looking ahead, advocates are expected to bring sports betting back to the table in future sessions. With increasing public interest and potential economic benefits, lawmakers may work to find a balanced solution that could pave the way for legal sports betting in Alabama.

Stay updated with your state gambling legislation with our dedicated page, where we provide all the latest updates.

References

1. Alabama Senate Passes Stripped-Down Gambling Legislation — Retrieved Nov 13, 2024
2. Income to Be Reported on the Alabama Income Tax Return — Retrieved Nov 13, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions