The Gambling debate in Alabama + more local business news
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Another session for the Alabama State Legislature is behind us, and while no bills were passed addressing gambling or a state lottery this session, that does not mean the debate on the matter has gone away.
In this month’s Huntsville-area business roundup, we get insight into the pros and cons of legalized gambling in Alabama, and bring you some timely business news from the Rocket City.
The great Alabama gambling debate
Although a bill was presented in the latest Alabama Legislative Session approving legalized gambling in the state in at least some form, the bill proposed by Sen. Greg Albritton, (R-Atmore) received little traction.
However, gambling remains a hot topic, especially as more states have eased their restrictions. In the meantime, Alabama remains one of the only five states without a lottery.
Arguments for and against legalized gambling — or even a state lottery — are plentiful, and we were able to discuss the matter with Dr. Jason Imbrogno, Professor of Economics at the University of North Alabama Sanders College of Business & Technology.
Imbrogno said one of the main issues surrounding the gambling debate is that multiple meanings of “legalized gambling,” make it difficult to determine the pros and cons of the issue.
The benefits vary depending on the kind of gambling in play — a state lottery, 50/50 raffles, sports betting and casinos each carry their own positives and downsides, he said.
He said increased tax revenue is the main benefit of legalized gambling. But Imbrogno said the tax benefits also hinge on the type of gambling introduced.
“At most, under the most open, liberal possible changes to our gambling laws that are being considered, the best estimates say around $700 million in added state tax revenue, per year.”
Dr. Jason Imbrogno, Associate Professor of Economics, UNA Sanders College of Business & Technology
What are the negative aspects of legalized gambling?
While the loudest opposition to legalized gambling in the state has come from a moral perspective, Imbrogno says some economic aspects that could have negative effects on the state.
Imbrogno pointed to the problem of gambling addiction first. He said addiction — especially for young men regarding sports gambling — is a problem that some estimate would affect more than 100,000 Alabama residents.
“Gambling is a Pandora’s box that our society opened, and the costs outweigh the benefits greatly in my opinion.”
Dr. Jason Imbrogno, Associate Professor of Economics, UNA Sanders College of Business & Technology
According to Imbrogno, the increased criminality associated with gambling is a problem to considerm which could offset any positive economic change gambling might bring to the state.
He added that the alleged benefits of legalized gambling (tax revenues, jobs, etc.) may take away just as much along each of those dimensions from other related industries such as tourism, out-of-home dining, sports and outdoor recreation.
Bank Independent names DeMarco McClain new area president
Bank Independent announced recently the promotion of DeMarco McClain to Area President for Madison County. McClain had most recently served as the bank’s City President of Huntsville.
“DeMarco’s passion for community banking and his ability to lead with both integrity and vision have helped shape our continued growth in Madison County. His commitment to building strong relationships—both within our team and throughout the community—makes him the right person to lead us forward in this important market.”
Tim Singleton, Eastern Region President for Bank Independent
McClain earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University Montgomery in 2002 and an MBA from Troy University in 2014. He is a graduate of the LSU School of Banking and the University of South Alabama’s Banking School. He remains actively engaged in the Alabama Bankers Association.
McClain is a graduate of the 2012 Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect Class 14 and currently serves on the Leadership Alabama NE Regional Council after graduating from Leadership Alabama Class XXXIII.
He also serves on the City of Huntsville’s Public Building Authority, the Von Braun Center Board of Control and the board of the Committee of 100.
In addition to his civic commitments, McClain is a strong advocate for Bank Independent’s Helping Hands Foundation and volunteers his time with the Christian Job Corps of Madison County, the Village of Promise finance committee, Randolph School Finance Committee and Randolph athletic programs.
Median home prices in Huntsville up slightly from 2024
Here is a look at where the real estate market looks right now in Huntsville and surrounding communities, according to the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors:
| Location | Median Sale Price March 2025 | Median Sale Price March 2024 | Median Sale Price Feb. 2025 |
| Huntsville-Madison County | $327,000 | $320,000 | $318,000 |
| Athens – Limestone County | $310,000 | $319,000 | $375,000 |
| Marshall County | $288,000 | $273,000 | $255,000 |
| Morgan/Lawrence County | $255,000 | $243,000 | $267,000 |
Pending sales in these areas at the end of March:
- Athens-Limestone County: 315
- Huntsville-Madison County: 740
- Marshall County: 95
- Morgan/Lawrence County: 149
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