Sports Gambling In Alabama
While Alabama may not have any professional sports franchises, they are one of the most avid football states in the country. This is due to being home of one of the biggest college football rivalries in the nation between the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Football is considered a religion in Alabama, a way of life, and there are diehard fans everywhere.
If you are a diehard Bama fan, then you know that they can beat Auburn, and vice versa. Want to make a bet on it? Using this guide, residents can learn the state and federal regulations that apply to sports betting in Alabama, and how it impacts the options that are available. This guide will also show you how to place bets through legal sportsbooks.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Alabama Yet As Of 2024?
We are going to have to say that the answer to this question is both yes and no. State-based sports betting is illegal in Alabama. Nevada-style brick and mortar sportsbooks and bookies are not allowed to operate within state lines. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist outside of the law, but there are certainly alternatives to using an illegal bookie.
On a federal level, there are several laws governing sports betting in the US, but none of them make it illegal for AL residents to engage in licensed and regulated offshore sports betting online. Residents of the Yellowhammer State are able to legally place bets through licensed sportsbooks that are operating legitimately outside of the US, within a governing jurisdiction that has expressly legalized sports betting for its respective territories. We provide a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant federal laws below.
In addition, Alabama residents can enjoy popular real money casino games online such as legal online blackjack in Alabama, including both RNG and live dealer variations. Poker and horse racing are also legally available online.
Most Reputable Online Sportsbooks That Accept Alabama Residents In 2024
The following list of sports betting sites has a few things in common. They are considered to be the most trusted and reputable destinations for Alabama residents to wager on sports; they are all legally licensed and regulated through a legitimate jurisdiction outside of the United States, and they all deliver a premium online betting experience from top to bottom.
They have all integrated very sophisticated security protocols for keeping your data safe, as well as advanced technology and features to support mobile betting and live in-play betting. We recommend these brands for those Alabama sports fans seeking a secure, high quality, and legally sanctioned online betting experience.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Rating /5 | USA | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% up to $1,000 | 4.8 | Yes | Play Now |
| Betonline Sportsbook | 50% up to $1,000 | 4.5 | Yes | Play Now |
| Sportsbetting.ag | 50% up to $1,000 | 4.3 | Yes | Play Now |
Which Federal Laws Play A Role in Alabama Sports Gambling?
With the repeal of PASPA in 2018, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act no longer restricts state-regulated sports betting entertainment, though Alabama has not yet moved to embrace this option locally.
Federal Wire Act
The Federal Wire Act has been re-interpreted to prevent a gambling business from accepting wagers across state lines, however, this decision is being challenged and its application is not entirely clear at the moment. The thing to understand about this law is that it does not prevent anyone from placing bets online at legitimate online sportsbooks operating legally within the industry, such as the ones you see listed on this site.
UIGEA
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act simply provides regulatory oversight for gambling-related transactions. The law does not make it illegal for US residents to gambling online, and this includes betting on sports. The law addresses US banks and payment processors and does not have any bearing on actual bettors or their activities.
The offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended for Alabama residents are legally sanctioned and operate outside of the US, meaning they are free and clear of the restrictions put in place by the Federal Wire Act, the UIGEA and Alabama state laws. It’s important to note that placing bets with these sportsbooks is not a violation of the law. These sportsbooks provide a legal means for Alabama residents to participate in online sports betting.
If Alabama were to pass a state law barring access to online sports betting sites operating outside of the state or the US, then things might change somewhat.
Popular Sports Teams To Bet On In Alabama
In Alabama, you’re either a Bama fan or an Auburn fan—there is no in-between. While the University of Alabama has been the more successful team in terms of titles (they were just in the National Championship this year), the Iron Bowl is arguably more important than the National Championship. The winner of the Iron Bowl gets to claim the title of most dominant in the state, a title both teams want to hold.
Popular College Sports Teams in AL
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Can I Bet on College Sports?
Yes. College sports have their own section in these sportsbooks, allowing you to place bets on most college football and basketball games. You can even place a future bet on who will win the National Championship in the 2017-2018 season. These sportsbooks offer bets on all types of sports, so you are not limited to just professional sports.
Is It Illegal For Me to Bet With These Offshore Sportsbooks?
No. PASPA, the Federal Wire Act and the UIGEA pertain strictly to US-based online sports betting. These offshore sportsbooks are legally licensed and operated outside of the United States. These destinations are designed to provide Americans the opportunity to place bets online in a safe and legal way.
Do I Have To Deposit Money?
If you want to place bets, then yes. In order to place a bet, you need to have a bankroll to back it. You will not be allowed to place a bet online unless you have money in your account. Depositing money is a simple process. All you have to do is select which deposit method you prefer—there are options such as credit/debit card, wire transfers, Bitcoin, etc.
Do These Sportsbooks Offer Any Type Of Promotional Deals?
Yes. These sportsbooks offer bonuses to their bettors. These bonuses give users free money to bet with, allowing users to increase their chances of winning big. Usually you can claim your first bonus when you make your first deposit. After that, the bonuses keep on coming, as these sportsbooks use them as incentives to keep your business. Different sportsbooks offer different kinds of bonuses.
Can I Have Accounts With Multiple Sportsbooks?
Yes. There are no rules or restrictions on having accounts with multiple sportsbooks. In fact, having accounts with multiple sportsbooks allows you access to all the bonuses being offered. It also provides you with a more comprehensive spread of bets, as not all sportsbooks will have the same bets available. If you are serious about sports betting, consider having accounts with multiple sportsbooks.
What About Customer Service?
Customer service is a top priority for these sportsbooks. Most sportsbooks offer a Live Chat function where you can immediately address any concerns you have with an employee from the site. Most sportsbooks also offer mobile app versions of their site for your convenience. These apps have the same functionality and security standards as the web versions do.
Are There Any Teams In Alabama That Have A Chance At Winning A Championship In 2024?
Out of the two notable colleges in the state, you can safely bet that the University of Alabama will be back in the college playoffs next season. The Crimson Tide have won the title four times since 2009 and are always a threat in the SEC. Coach Nick Saban and the rest of the Crimson Tide will be looking to avenge their loss to Clemson in the 2016 National Championship.