HB161 Summary

• Creates the Alabama Sports Wagering Commission with 7 members appointed by state officials to regulate and supervise sports wagering on professional, collegiate, and amateur sports contests at licensed pari-mutuel facilities.

• Establishes four types of licenses (operator, supplier, management services, occupational) with application fees ranging from $100-$100,000 and annual renewal requirements.

• Imposes a 10 percent tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts, with commission retaining up to 15 percent for operations and remaining net profits directed to scholarship funds for Alabama college students.

• Authorizes the commission to enter into interstate sports wagering agreements allowing persons physically located in signatory jurisdictions to participate in wagering conducted by licensed operators.

• Amends criminal gambling statutes to exempt wagering on professional, collegiate, and amateur sports contests from criminal liability, while establishing felony penalties for unauthorized sports wagering operations and related violations.