Houston Co. Commission, residents speak out about the gambling proposal

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — Houston County could soon be home to a brand new casino, leaving officials with new decisions to make.

“I think the commission, maybe even the community, is certainly going to have an interesting decision that we may have to make within the next 12 months,” says Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe.

On Thursday, Alabama representatives Chris Blackshear and Andy Whitt presented a bill that would authorize ten new casinos to legalize sports betting and a statewide gambling commission.

The ten new casinos would include the three and potentially a fourth already being operated by porch band of Creek Indians while the other six would be located in Houston County and several other areas in the state.

Alabamians couldn’t be more excited about the future opportunities.

“I’m all for it because I think the funding from the casinos would help with building things and things that we need around here,” says Cottonwood resident Alberta Richardson.

Representatives project that the casinos will bring in anywhere from just under $300 million to over $400 million in revenue.

That money would go to a general funds account until that account reaches $300 million.

But most of the money will go into a gaming trust fund that will help with non-education expenses. Leaving some citizens weary.

“If people want to do that with their money, that’s their business. As long as it helps the education system, the public safety system, and our roads; just our local economy. Then, if adults want to do that with their money, then sure; why not,” says Cottonwood resident Kevin Dixon.

There is still a huge gamble on whether or not this bill will be approved. 63 House Representatives and 21 out of 35 Senators would still need to get on board.

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