DOTHAN, Ala. — Gov. Robert Bentley on Monday said gambling is not the solution to the state’s budget woes and will not provide enough money to prevent deep cuts to law enforcement and other state agencies.
Bentley told The Associated Press that draft lottery and casino legislation proposed by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh would bring Las Vegas-style gambling to the state of Alabama.
The governor said he met with Marsh late last week to discuss a plan that would create a state lottery and casinos at four state dog tracks. He said lawyers for the administration are reviewing the proposal.
“I’ve never taken any gambling money from anyone, so I can speak on this with, I would say, a pure heart because I’ve never been influenced by gambling and gambling money,” Bentley said. “But gambling is not going to solve this problem, because we’re not going to be able to get the money by Oct. 1, and we have to have it by then.”
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has expressed interest in talking with the state about a compact to create a revenue agreement in exchange for expanded or exclusive gaming rights.