A pre-filed bill for Alabama’s 2025 legislative session would increase penalties for owning an illegal gambling operation.

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Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Dozier) is one of many lawmakers wanting to crack down on illegal gambling. In Covington County, a convenience store owner was discovered selling scratch-off tickets. Hammett says the current penalties don’t go far enough, leading to re-offenders.

“We had some in the store, and they sent in Opp Police Chief [Kevin] Chance. Him and the district attorney went in and got him,” recalled Hammett. “And they said they’ll be back up in six months ’cause it was just a misdemeanor. All we can do is just slap [them] on the wrist.’”