Phillip Ensler introduces clean lottery bill

February 11, 2026 – MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State Representative Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) – flanked by fellow members of the House Democratic Caucus – announced to reporters that he is introducing a bill to create a lottery titled the "Clean Lottery Act."

"The state of Alabama needs more sources of revenues to meet its expenditures," said Rep. Ensler. "This bill would allow the state to recoup the millions of dollars from people of Alabama who are purchasing lottery tickets in other states."

"The state is taking in less revenue and is considering cuts," continued Ensler.

Ensler claimed that his bill would raise hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Governor's Tas Force on Gambling claimed that a lottery would bring in between $160 and $280 million a year. The problem with lotteries is that you have to pay out money in prizes, promotion of the lottery, and payment to the convenient stores that sell the scratch-offs and lottery tickets.

Ensler said that proceeds from his lottery would be used for education, scholarships, healthcare, "and rebate checks to Alabamians to help pay their bills."

Ensler suggested that part of the money could be used for, "Helping rural hospitals stay open."

Ensler claimed that the state needs, "New and stable sources of income."

"The people of Alabama have not had a chance to vote on a lottery in over 25 years," said Ensler.

Ensler said that if his bill passed the Legislature the people would be able , "To vote this November."

Ensler's bill – which has not been introduced yet – will be a state constitutional amendment so has to have a super majority in both Houses of the Legislature and then be voted on by the people of Alabama.

Ensler claimed that his constituents favors legalized gambling.

"We all hear loud and clear," said Ensler. "People just think it is insane we are leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table."

Rep. Kelvin Lawrence D-Hayneville) said, "Legalized gaming could bring up to $700 million in new revenue for the state of Alabama.

Lawrence said that nationally "$157 billion is spent on wagering."

Lawrence is the sponsor of House Bill 262 (HB262) which would charge the six gambling facilities in Jefferson, Greene, Lowndes, Macon, Mobile, and Houston a four percent privilege tax.

"We are the people's house," said Lawrence. "We have spent 28 years denying the peopke the right to vote on gaming whether it is a lottery or full blown gaming."

Lawrence said that since these counties have special county amendments to the constitution allowing betting on dog races and/or other forms of gambling that his bill would not require a constitutional amendment.

Senator Merika Coleman (D-Pleasant Grove) introduced a bill that creates a lottery; but also authorizes casino gambling, sports betting, and a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) which operate electronic bingo casinos in Wetumpka, Montgomery, and Atmore.

Ensler said that he supports either a lottery or more comprehensive gaming legislation; but whenever a comprehensive gambling bill is introduced the details ultimately contribute to the bill becoming derailed in one house or the other.

Ensler is running for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor.

He is an attorney and a native of New York.

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