Alabama may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about gambling meccas, but it does have a number of casino properties where legal wagering enthusiasts can get their game on.
The Yellowhammer State—so-called because of the brightly colored bird that is the official state bird—is home to a total of 35 casinos spread out across the many Indian reservations located within its borders.1 These casinos feature all of your standard gaming fare like slots and video poker along with live table games staffed by dealers shuffling real decks of cards.
Alabama gamblers also have access to a pair of large regional racino complexes just over the state lines in Mississippi and Florida. Those facilities offer both electronic games based on horse racing as well as full Vegas-style casino games like blackjack and roulette.
Unfortunately, Alabama laws against private poker games remain some of the toughest in the country, with hosts of home games open to fines and even jail time.
As things stand now, there are no plans to loosen those restrictions or bring any major new casino projects online. Still, Alabama’s gambling landscape is in a state of flux as local Native American tribes jockey for position ahead of what promises to be an epic showdown in court.
At a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of gambling in Alabama by type.
Editor's Note:
- While we aim to provide accurate information, legislation happens quickly and often without advance notice. For the most up-to-date information on gambling in Alabama, visit the of the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.
Alabama Casinos at a Glance
There are dozens of Class II casinos spread throughout the state of Alabama, almost all of which are owned and operated by various Indian nations and tribes.
Crimson Tide fans might be surprised to learn that the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas operates a half dozen gaming properties in the Yellowhammer State under the name Creek Entertainment.
All of Alabama’s casinos utilize Class II gaming machines that resemble their Class III cousins but operate in a different regulatory scheme and use somewhat different software and hardware.
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While the VTs found in Alabama casinos look and play much like their AT counterparts, a few key differences set the two machines apart:
- Game Selection — The games offered on Class II machines must be house-banked games where the tribe is playing against their own customers. That rules out true player vs. player games like Texas hold’em and Omaha hi-lo.
- Random Number Generators — All Class II games make use of random number generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of each play. With Class III machines, the RNGs determine the outcome of every play after the player activates the machine. With Class II machines, the RNG is always running and each player is trying to match a predetermined outcome.
- Regulatory Scheme — Profits from Class III gaming operations are taxed by both the state and the federal governments, but profits from Class II games are essentially tax free.
- Jackpots — You won’t find many progressive jackpots on Class II machines, and the ones you do find won’t accumulate anywhere close to the sizes of typical Las Vegas slot jackpots.
Are the VTs found in Alabama casinos rigged in favor of the house?
In a word, yes.
However, that’s true of all modern casino games.
The question you should be asking isn’t whether the games are rigged but rather, “How can I make sure I get as much time with my chance at beating the house odds as possible?”
The answer to that question is simple:
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Know the Rules – Make sure you understand how all the different games worked before risking any of your money. If you’re not sure whether you drew a winning hand, it’s probably best not to play that game until you have a better handle on the rules.
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Set a Limits – It doesn’t matter if you’re playing $5 machines or 25 cent slots; you can still lose money fast if you get on a bad run. Set a budget for your trip and divide that number by the total amount of time you plan to spend gambling. That will tell you how much you can afford to lose on each game.
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Take Advantage of Incentives – Many Alabama casinos offer incentive cards that give you points for each spin of the VT reels. Those points can be redeemed for free play, discounts at the buffet, and other goodies.
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Use Rewards Wisely – Just because you’ve earned enough points for a free drink doesn’t mean you should blow your bankroll on one overpriced cocktail. Save your rewards vouchers for something that has real value.
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Have Fun – Finally, remember that you’re supposed to be having fun. Don’t take a big loss too hard, and don’t chase your losses in hopes of getting even. Cash out, take a break, and enjoy everything else that your local Alabama casino has to offer.
Alabama Poker Laws
So, are poker games considered to be banking games under the Class II system?
That’s never been clearly spelled out, but Alabama regulators have made it plain that they consider private card rooms to be illegal gambling operations.
A pair of high profile raids on Montgomery area poker rooms in recent years sent owners and players fleeing and left many Alabama poker players wondering where they could safely get a game going.
Things appeared to settle down for a while after the raid on the VIP Sports Lounge in Prattville back in 2014, but the Alabama lawmen were at it again in February of 2016 when they burst into the Bullpen Sports Bar in Montgomery and handed everyone at the poker tables citation for misdemeanor gambling.
According to the statute in question, Alabama players found playing an illegally hosted game could face a fine of as much as $500 and up to three months in jail. Things get worse for host James “Buzz” Hayes, who could be fined up to $5,000 and sentenced to a year in jail.
Even Alabama Legislator Bobby Singleton isn’t above the long arm of the law when it comes to hosting an unhostly game of poker.
Singleton pled guilty to the misdemeanor charge and was ordered to pay a $250 fine.
Just a few weeks after the Bullpen bust, another wave of citations went out to players participating in home games hosted by Singleton, an Alabama judge, and a local business man.
Host James “Buzz” Hayes took a different tack in dealing with his citation, choosing to fight the charges in court. After more than a year of delays, Judge Joseph Hackney finally threw out the case against Hayes on the grounds that the lead investigator on the case had discussed the matter with individuals in the community who then served on the grand jury that indicted Hayes.
Haynes also took issue with the affidavit used to obtain the search warrant that led to the seizure of over $7,000 in cash and property related to poker playing. No decision has been made as to whether the state will appeal Hackney’s ruling.
For their part, Alabama regulators insist that the recent crackdown on private poker games isn’t targeting casual players looking to have a game with their friends. Instead, they say the focus is on commercial poker operations that take rakes and fees and function much like the prohibited casino gaming operations found in other states.
None of this should be taken to mean that you can’t find an occasional game of poker or other card game in the non-smoking section of your favorite Alabama casino.
Just be prepared to move if some suited tactics force you to bump into any VT machines or live table games situated farther forward on the casino floor.
Alabama Sports Betting
Sports betting is currently illegal in the state of Alabama except through exempted office pools and the like.
That didn’t stop Victored Sportwetten from opening a retail sportsbook inside the Wind Creek Atmore casino back in January of 2018, but the facility was shuttered shortly thereafter and regulator have been clear in their statements that online sports betting is also verboten in the Heart of Dixie.
strategy for playing slotsIt seems unlikely that state legislators will take up the cause of bringing full scale sports betting to Alabama in the near future, but daily fantasy sports appear to exist in a legal gray area that could allow DFS operators to continue serving players in the state.
Alabama Horse Racing & the Future of Alabama Gambling
Gamblers in search of a day at the races have several options within easy driving distance of Alabama, but the Yellowhammer State hasn’t seen parimutuel wagering within its borders since Gulfport Race Track in Gulfport, Mississippi just missed the deadline to renew their license in 1989.2
In its place, Alabama bettors can visit the Gulfport-Biloxi Greyhound Park or the Gulfport Harrington Racecourse to get their fix of live dog racing and simulcast thoroughbred racing from tracks around the country.
Both of these greyhound racing facilities straddle the state line with Mississippi, but the bulk of their patrons come from neighboring Alabama towns like Mobile, Baldwin Beach, and Daphne.
Gulfport-Biloxi Greyhound Park features 34 luxurious and , each equipped with flat screen TVs and telephone jacks, as well as shaded outside tables with umbrellas.
Concessions include the usual stadium fare like hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks along with fried chicken, catfish, and hamburgers.
Gulfport Harrington Racecourse goes by the moniker “The Friendliest Track in America,” and it’s tough to argue with that assessment after spending a little time enjoying the low key racing action and down home southern hospitality on offer at this family friendly venue.
In addition to live greyhound racing six days per week, Gulfport Harrington offers simulcast wagering on thoroughbred and standardbred tracks from around the country.
Food options include traditional southern favorites like fried chicken, meat loaf, and catfish filets.
Both facilities are locked in a legal battle over their right to continue hosting greyhound races, so the future of gambling in Alabama may soon bring an end to legal greyhound racing in the region as well.
Alabama Indian Gaming
Indian gaming has grown exponentially over the last couple of decades, and Alabama casinos are very much a part of that boom market.
No Deposit Bonus Casino Real Money Wins You Can Brag AboutWith 15 federally recognized Indian nations or tribes operating a combined 35 casinos in the state, Alabama ranks 20th nationwide in terms of the number of Class II gaming facilities.1
Most of the larger venues go by the name Creek Entertainment and feature slots, video poker, and a variety of live table games staffed by real people shuffling real decks of cards.
Popular table games on offer include:
- Blackjack
- Super Fun 21
- Mini and Mega Baccarat
- Electronic Roulette
- Craps
- Pai Gow
- Texas Hold’em
- Three Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
Many of the larger properties also feature luxury hotels and suites, top flight entertainment, world class dining establishments, and state-of-the-art conference and banquet facilities.
So, why do all the gaming machines in Alabama casinos look like slot machines but act nothing like them?
That’s the result of a legal distinction between Class III gaming operations, which are overseen by both state and federal regulators, and Class II gaming enterprises, which fall solely under the authority of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Class II machines, which resemble their Class III cousins but operate quite differently on the inside, generate random numbers constantly. Players win if their chosen bet corresponds to a winning combination in the sequence. Because no money changes hands between the player and the casino, Class II gaming is not subject to state or federal taxes.
You won’t find many large progressive jackpots on Class II machines, and the maximum payouts are generally much lower than you’d find on similar Class III machines.
Here’s a look at some of the bigger venues in the Yellowhammer State:
Wind Creek Atmore
Wind Creek Atmore sits just off Interstate 65 midway between Mobile and Flomaton, making it easily accessible from much of south Alabama and large portions of the Florida Panhandle.
This massive Class II gaming facility spread more than $3 billion worth of wagers in 2016, making it far and away the biggest casino in the state.
In addition to more than 3,000 Class II gaming machines, Wind Creek Atmore features 28 live table games offering blackjack, mini and mega baccarat, roulette, craps, pai gow, and fortune spin roulette.
Six table are reserved exclusively for high stakes play.
Wind Creek Atmore boasts a four-diamond hotel with 16 stories, 13 suites, and more than 500 deluxe guest rooms. Other amenities include multiple restaurants, a high end spa, and more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Entertainment offerings range from contemporary music acts to classic rock bands and comedy shows featuring well known national headliners.
Creek Casino & Hotel Mobile
Located just east of downtown Mobile on the banks of the Battleship Park Lake, Creek Casino & Hotel Mobile is the closest major casino to the Port City’s thriving entertainment and business district.
With more than 2,000 Class II gaming machines and nine live table games offering blackjack, mini and mega baccarat, roulette, and craps, Creek Casino & Hotel Mobile offers plenty of ways to beat the dealer.
Sleek and modern hotel accommodations feature 202 rooms and suites, and onsite dining options include classic southern cooking at Fishers of Men and fine dining at Bismson Brothers Steakhouse.
Victory Land Casino & Hotel
Located just west of Shiloh on Alabama 14, Victory Land Casino & Hotel is poised to become the premier gaming destination for Birmingham-area gamblers.
With nearly 2,000 Class II gaming machines and a dozen live table games offering blackjack, roulette, and craps, there’s certainly plenty to keep locals occupied. A new hotel tower added 120 new rooms and suites to the property in 2016, bringing the total room count to 220.
MGM Casinos in Illinois – Grand Buffalo Casino Review (2023)Onsite dining options include Charlie’s Restaurant & Deli, the Blue Water Seafood Company, and the Island Bar.
Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka
Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka can be found just west of town on Alabama 143, midway between Auburn and Opelika.
This modest casino spread more than $1 billion worth of wagers in 2016, making it one of the ten most popular gambling destinations in the state.
With more than 1,100 Class II gaming machines and five live table games offering blackjack, roulette, and craps, Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka provides plenty of diversion for central Alabama gamblers.
Onsite dining options include the Cypress Dining Room and Kozy Korner Deli, and the Creek Café serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
Hotel accommodations include 86 deluxe rooms and suites, and the casino event center plays host to a variety of musical acts and other entertainers throughout the year.
Creek Casino & Hotel Alexander City
Creek Casino & Hotel Alexander City sits on the shores of Lake Martin just north of town, making it a popular spot for weekend getaways in the heart of Alabama.
With more than 1.3 billion in wagers in 2016, this mid-sized casino attracts gamblers from Talladega, Anniston, Gadsden, and points beyond.
More than 1,100 Class II gaming machines and eight live table games offering blackjack, roulette, and craps help generate the vast majority of the more than $28 million in taxes paid to Todd County each year.
Best Live Dealer Casino Games Other Than Roulette, Blackjack, and PokerDining options include The Palms Restaurant, Kozy Korner Deli, and the Lakeview Lounge. Hotel accommodations feature 86 rooms and suites, and the event center at Creek Casino & Hotel Alexander City hosts concerts, comedy acts, and other special events throughout the year.
Downstream Casino Resort
Downstream Casino Resort lies just over the Oklahoma border in the tiny Alabama town of Franklin, making it the closest casino to Huntsville and Decatur.
With more than 2,000 Class II gaming machines and eight live table games offering blackjack, roulette, and craps, Downstream Casino Resort is a popular destination for gamblers from the Tennessee Valley and the northern reaches of the Birmingham metropolitan area. Onsite amenities include a 17-story hotel tower with 230 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the Blue Heron Buffet, the Francis Red X Grill, and the High Five Sports Bar.
Downstream Casino Resort also features more than 18,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space.
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery lies just off Interstate 85 on Lower Wetumpka Road, making it easily accessible from much of the River Region.
With more than $1.2 billion in wagers in 2 <2016, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery is a major economic engine for the Elmore and Prattville areas.
More than 1,700 Class II gaming machines put smiles on the faces of countless area residents, and nine live table games offer blackjack, mini and mega baccarat, roulette, and craps. Onsite dining options include The River Regional Kitchen, Kozy Kitchen, and the Vista Lounge.
Other amenities include a 250-seat capacity theater, a gift shop, and a convenience store.
Victory Casino & Hotel
Victory Land Casino & Hotel can be found just off Alabama 14 west of I-85/Tallassee Road, making it the closest casino to the Capital City for much of the River Region.
Onsite dining options include Fat Daddy’s Catfish House, Slick’s Place, and the Vista Lounge, and the casino gift shop sells lottery tickets, candy, tobacco products, snacks, and other assorted sundries.
VictoryLand.com puts the entire menu online, and hungry patrons can enjoy fried chicken, seafood platters, salads, sandwiches, and baked potatoes among other choices.
Creek Casino Iotala
Creek Casino Iotala spread more than $684 million in wagers in 2016, making it one of the busier casinos in the state.
Just north of town on Highway 27, Creek Casino Iotala is conveniently located for gamblers from Guntersville, Decatur, and Huntsville.
With more than 1,100 Class II gaming machines and six live table games offering blackjack, roulette, and craps, there’s certainly plenty to keep local gamblers busy.
Dining options include the Creekside Diner, Kozy Korner Deli, and the Player’s Lounge, which serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The casino also features a 300-seat bingo hall that hosts afternoon and evening sessions daily.
VictoryLand Greyhound Track & Casino
Sharing a complex with the Greyhound track and the football stadium, VictoryLand Greyhound Track & Casino lies just off I-85/20 east of Prattville.
With more than $968 million in wagers in 2016, this mid-sized casino draws gamblers from the Robert Trent Jones National Veterans Affairs Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, Gunter Annex, and the large residential population spread throughout the Autauga and Elmore county area.
More than 1,500 Class II gaming machines and eight live table games offering blackjack, roulette, and craps provide plenty of chances to hit the virtual money wheel.
Onsite dining options include the Dog House Deli and the 1st Street Parlour Lounge, both of which serve up breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The casino also features a 300-seat bingo hall that hosts afternoon and evening sessions daily.
Gulf Coast Entertainment Center
The Gulf Coast Entertainment Center brings full-scale Las Vegas style gambling to the Alabama Gulf Coast with 750 Class II gaming machines and all your favorite table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and Fortune Spin roulette.
This modestly sized casino spread more than $483 million in wagers in 2016, making it a popular destination for beachgoers from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Perdido Key.
Best Michigan Online Casinos 2023 - (plus Mobile Apps)Dining options include the Bay Bistro and the Gulf View Lounge, which serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
Victory Land Casino
Just a few miles north of Shiloh on Alabama 14, Victory Land Casino is poised to draw gamblers away from the large Casinos in Birmingham.
With more than 1,600 Class II gaming machines, Victory Land Casino offers all the excitement of Class III gaming without the stiff taxes imposed by Montgomery.
Live table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, and Fortune Spin Roulette, and a 300-seat bingo hall round out the gaming options at this busy casino.
Onsite dining options include Charlie’s Restaurant & Deli, the Island Bar, and the Blue Water Seafood Company.
Footnotes:
- The United States Indian Poverty website is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. ** “Montgomery area casino raided; sheriff says ‘we got ‘em’.” al.com.
Anthony is a sports writer for GamblingSites.com covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. He also covers other various topics such as entertainment, general sports betting tips, and more.
His favorite teams are the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks
