Alabama Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)

A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Alabama. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Alabama. While DFS was legalized in 2019, the Attorney General's office has continued to scrutinize the industry, leading to recent changes in how pick'em games are offered.

DFS Rules

Legal

Licensed Operators

Legal

Penalties

N/A

Minimum Age

18+

Gambling Age

RESTRICTED

The minimum gambling age in Alabama is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.

Casino Minimum Age

21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery

Lottery/Other Gambling Age

Legal

Penalties

Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.

Minimum Gambling Age

18-21 depending on type

Online casino gambling and poker are illegal in Alabama. The state has no laws authorizing online gambling, and Alabama Code Title 13A, Chapter 12 prohibits all forms of gambling except for limited exceptions such as bingo and pari-mutuel wagering.

Online Casino Rules

Possession of online gambling software or devices used for illegal gambling is prohibited under Alabama Code § 13A-12-20.

Licensed Platforms

Sale or distribution of online gambling services or devices is illegal under Alabama Code § 13A-12-21.

Penalties

Class A misdemeanor for first offenses, punishable by up to one year imprisonment and fines under Alabama Code § 13A-12-23.

Minimum Age

None (illegal regardless of age).

Legal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in Alabama has not yet been verified. Despite several legislative pushes in 2024 and 2025 to legalize sports betting and casinos, no bills have passed.

Online Gambling Rules

Unverified

Licensed Operators

Unverified

Penalties

Unverified

Minimum Age

Unverified

Social poker home games are generally legal in Alabama when played among friends without a house rake.

Home Game Rules

Legal for social games

Rake/House Cut Rules

N/A

Penalties

N/A

Age Requirements

18+

Sports betting is not legal in Alabama. No significant changes since 2022.

In-Person Betting

Illegal. Alabama has not legalized sports betting. No bills have advanced through the legislature as of 2026, though proposals have been introduced in multiple sessions. Alabama's conservative political landscape and opposition from existing gambling interests (tribal casinos, dog tracks) have blocked progress. Residents who bet do so through illegal offshore sites.

Online/Mobile Betting

No legal sportsbooks or betting apps operate in Alabama. No retail or online sports betting is available.

Penalties

No specific sports betting penalties in state law. General gambling statutes apply: simple gambling is a violation (fine only); promoting gambling is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year, $6,000 fine).

Minimum Betting Age

N/A — not legal