Charles Barkley Wants to Own a Casino in Alabama, Will it Happen?
Gambling Proposal Could Generate Over $900 Million Annually
Casino News Plot Twist
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and that’s very true for Charles Barkley’s long-time love of playing blackjack for real money. The NBA Hall of Famer has told us many stories about his passion for gambling. Now, he could be going from “trying to break the house” to being the house.
Barkley recently told journalist Roy S. Johnson he would be all in if lawmakers allow the development of betting casinos in the Heart of Dixie. When asked about the possibility of joining an ownership group for this purpose, Barkley said, “Hell, yeah,” to Johnson.
This casino news has everyone asking. Could 2025 be the year Alabama finally gets in the gambling game? Barkley hopes so, but the final call is up to lawmakers who are trying to navigate a tricky path of approvals.
Currently, Alabama lawmakers are discussing proposals that would allow casinos for the first time in decades. Barkley’s open interest in investing is giving a boost to these efforts in the Cotton State.
Charles Barkley On Losing $25 Million Gambling & Only Winning $7 Million
“I love to gamble, I don’t like to gamble.” pic.twitter.com/WsWgtp5ArU
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) May 2, 2024
Lawmakers Debate the Future of Cash Casinos
Alabama’s legislature has long been cautious about gambling regulations. The state is one of five in the US without a local lottery and has historically been against a legal framework.
Right now, Senator Greg Albritton is working on a constitutional amendment package that would authorize a statewide lottery, land-based casinos, and in-person sports betting. It would need three-fifths of each chamber to pass.
Though some officials are still hesitant, the state’s budget woes and neighboring markets’ success have opened the door.
Come #Election2024 i hope #Alabama has a plan to pass the #Lotto bill by allowing the ppl to #vote #WindCreekCasino is for the bird. My cuz say her friend’s sister fell at the casino, bcuz the house cleaner left water on the floor. No 1 has reached out to see how she was doing 🤬
— JapKid (@JapKid) August 2, 2024
For example, Alabama is surrounded by states with a state lottery. Supporters point out that many Alabamians already cross state lines to play at online casinos that offer mobile gambling apps.
Projections vary but some say it could bring in over $900 million annually. And a local celebrity like Barkley can sway uncertain lawmakers by adding credibility and visibility to the plan.
However, plenty of opposition remains. Faith-based groups say expanding gambling will bring social problems. Others ask if a one-star name, no matter how big, can change years of skepticism.
Casino consolidation potentially opens the door for a much larger gambling bill for Alabama pic.twitter.com/IbT0AXAL7b
— Dale Jackson – “Alabama’s Most Trusted Journalist” (@TheDaleJackson) November 19, 2024
Barkley’s Gambling Legacy
Barkley’s long history of gambling is well-documented. He once said he lost as much as $25 million total over the years. On Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast he also detailed how he lost millions in one night.
His love of gambling goes back to his childhood in Leeds, Alabama, a small town outside of Birmingham. In the recent biography by Timothy Bella, he said his family’s home was an underground cash casino on the weekends to help pay the bills.
Is the Heart of Dixie ready to fold on an old stigma and deal a new hand? Or will it decide the house always wins somewhere else? If Barkley has his way, 2025 might just be the year Alabama gets in the casino game.
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