MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A Senate committee has debated a proposal to have Alabama join multi-state lottery games like Mega-Millions and Powerball.
The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee on Wednesday discussed the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Trip Pittman of Montrose. The committee could vote on the bill sometime next week.
Pittman says limiting gambling to multi-state lottery games would keep the state's overhead cost to a minimum while still generating money for the general fund.
Gambling opponent Joe Godfrey urged the committee to remember that money generated by lottery ticket sales comes from families' pockets.
If approved by lawmakers, voters would have the final say on whether lottery ticket sales will be allowed in the state.
Forty-four states have lotteries. Alabama, Mississippi, Utah, Nevada, Hawaii and Alaska do not.