Alabama lottery talk renews in upcoming special session

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, right, talks with Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, prior to the closing session at the National Governors Association Summer meeting at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., Saturday, July 25, 2015.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, right, talks with Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, prior to the closing session at the National Governors Association Summer meeting at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., Saturday, July 25, 2015.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Some legislators anticipate renewed debate over a state lottery in the upcoming special session but are also uncertain if the idea has much of a chance.

Lawmakers convene Tuesday evening to begin a special session on a state budget shortfall. Several legislators say they expect bills calling for a statewide vote on a lottery to be introduced.

Gov. Robert Bentley said Friday that he thought that there was more public support for an Alabama lottery than establishing casinos. However, the governor says he is uncertain if there are enough votes to get any gambling bill through the Alabama Legislature.

Alabama voters would have to approve the idea of establishing a state lottery.

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