Alabama Bill Proposes Tougher Penalties for Illegal Gambling and Slot Machine Possession

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A Republican state representative from South Alabama, Rep. Matthew Hammett, has introduced a bill aimed at increasing penalties for illegal gambling operations. The proposed legislation would reclassify offenses related to illegal gambling, including the possession of slot machines, from misdemeanors to felonies. This effort is intended to strengthen existing laws that have proven ineffective in curbing illegal gambling activities.

Under the current law, promoting illegal gambling is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. Hammett's bill seeks to elevate this offense to a Class C felony, which would impose harsher penalties, including 1 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. Repeat offenders would face even stricter consequences, with penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000.

Rep. Hammett collaborated with Covington County District Attorney Walt Merrell to draft the bill. Merrell, who has dealt with illegal gambling issues in his jurisdiction, expressed frustration with the limitations of current laws. “The law just doesn’t have a lot of teeth to it,” Merrell said, noting that the new bill aims to deter illegal activities by imposing more severe penalties.

The bill also includes a provision to clarify the definition of illegal gambling machines, including historical horse racing machines. Hammett emphasized that the bill is not intended to target legal gambling operations at established tracks but rather to address the broader issue of illegal gambling in the state.

As the bill moves forward, it is expected to be discussed among members of the House Republican caucus, with the legislative session set to begin on February 5.