NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Alabama for Hockey

Alabama is one of the most restrictive gambling states in America. As of December 2025, sports betting is NOT legal in Alabama, neither online nor retail. The state has repeatedly attempted to legalize sports betting through comprehensive gambling packages, but conservative opposition and constitutional requirements have blocked every effort.

For hockey fans in Alabama, there are currently NO legal ways to place traditional sports bets on NHL games. However, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal (since 2019), providing an alternative for those seeking sports wagering entertainment.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Alabama?

No. Sports betting is ILLEGAL in Alabama. Alabama has NOT legalized sports betting. No online or retail sportsbooks operate legally in Alabama. You cannot legally bet on NHL games through any licensed sportsbook in the state.

Age requirements (for legal gambling):

Tribal casinos: 18+ (Wind Creek properties). Daily Fantasy Sports: 19+ (since 2019 legalization). Proposed sports betting: Would likely be 21+ if legalized.

Regulatory framework: No sports betting regulator exists in Alabama because sports betting is not legal. If legalized, a new Alabama Education Lottery and Gambling Commission would likely regulate the industry.

Why sports betting isn't legal in Alabama:

Constitutional amendment required (any gambling expansion requires a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment). Supermajority needed (bills need 21 of 34 Senate votes, 3/5 supermajority). Conservative opposition (long-standing moral and religious opposition to gambling). Political divisions (House and Senate disagree on scope of gambling expansion). Tribal gaming concerns (Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates three casinos with complex interests). Revenue allocation disputes (legislators cannot agree on how to spend gambling revenue).

This is why Alabama remains one of the last holdouts.

Failed Legalization Attempts (2019-2025)

Alabama has seen repeated failed attempts to legalize sports betting.

2025 Attempts

HB 490 / Sen. Greg Albritton's Package (April 2025):

• Proposed: Lottery, six casinos, statewide mobile sports betting, 24% tax rate
• Status: FAILED – "Too few votes" (fell short of 21 Senate votes needed)
• Outcome: Legislators indicated they may revisit in 2026

2024 Attempts

HB 151 and HB 152 (February 2024):

• Proposed: State lottery, seven casinos, retail sportsbooks, online sportsbooks
• House: PASSED (historic first – first time sports betting bill passed a full chamber)
• Senate: AMENDED – Sports betting and casinos stripped from bill
• Final outcome: FAILED – House rejected Senate changes, bills died

Earlier Attempts

• 2022: SB 293 and SB 294 (lottery, sports betting, casino games) DIED on Senate floor. HB 405 (sports betting only in Jefferson County/Birmingham) FAILED.
• 2020: HB 336 (mobile sports betting, 10% tax) FAILED in committee.
• 2019: HB 315 (legal sports betting licenses) FAILED in committee.

Shurzy Tip: Alabama has tried to legalize sports betting SIX major times since 2019. Every single attempt failed. Conservative opposition, constitutional requirements, and political divisions keep killing it. Don't hold your breath for 2026.

What Options Do Exist for Alabama Residents?

Option 1: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) – LEGAL

Daily Fantasy Sports have been legal in Alabama since May 31, 2019 when Governor Kay Ivey signed HB 361 into law.

Available DFS platforms:

FanDuel DFS (NHL contests available), DraftKings DFS (NHL contests available), Underdog Fantasy (peer-to-peer pick'em games), PrizePicks, Betr Picks, DraftKings Pick6, ProphetX.

Age requirement: 19+

How DFS works for NHL:

Enter daily or weekly NHL contests. Build fantasy lineups with NHL players. Compete against other players for cash prizes. NOT traditional sports betting – contest-based structure.

Shurzy Tip: DFS platforms are your ONLY legal option for NHL wagering in Alabama. FanDuel DFS and DraftKings DFS have the deepest NHL contests. PrizePicks and Underdog are easier for beginners with over/under pick'em formats. It's not the same as traditional betting, but it's legal and accessible.

Option 2: Social Sportsbooks – Legal Gray Area

Some social sportsbooks operate in Alabama using virtual currency or sweepstakes models. These are not regulated and operate in a legal gray area.

Note: In 2025, Alabama saw class action lawsuits filed against sweepstakes operators (Blazesoft, High 5 Games, Stake.us, ARB Interactive) alleging unlicensed gambling.

Shurzy Take: Skip this. The legal ambiguity and 2025 lawsuits aren't worth it when you have DFS as a legitimate legal alternative.

Option 3: Tribal Casinos – NO Sports Betting

Alabama has three tribal casinos operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians: Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Montgomery, Wind Creek Wetumpka.

These casinos offer Class II gaming (electronic bingo-style games) but do NOT offer sports betting.

Option 4: Neighboring States – Travel Required

Alabama borders states with legal sports betting:

• Tennessee: Online betting, 21+, 12+ sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, etc.)
• Mississippi: Retail-only at casinos (Biloxi, Tunica, Gulf Coast)
• Florida: Hard Rock Bet online (Seminole Tribe exclusive)
• Alabama residents can travel to these states to place legal sports bets.

Shurzy Tip: If you're in northern Alabama near Tennessee, cross the border and use legal online sportsbooks there. Download FanDuel, DraftKings, or Caesars, register in Tennessee, and bet remotely from anywhere in the state. This is the best option for serious NHL bettors stuck in Alabama.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Expert Tips for Alabama Hockey Fans

1. Use DFS for NHL Action: Daily Fantasy Sports provide legal NHL wagering entertainment. FanDuel DFS best for traditional lineup contests, DraftKings DFS best for prop-style contests, PrizePicks/Underdog best for over/under pick'em formats.
2. Visit Neighboring States: If you want traditional sports betting, Tennessee (fully online, 21+, 12+ sportsbooks), Mississippi (retail-only at casinos in Biloxi, Tunica), or Florida (Hard Rock Bet online).
3. Monitor 2026 Legislative Session: Alabama's next serious legalization attempt may come in 2026. If legislators flip a handful of Senate votes, a constitutional amendment could go to voters. The November 2026 ballot is possible but not guaranteed. Some estimates suggest legalization could be 20+ years away.
4. Avoid Offshore/Illegal Sites: Offshore sportsbooks are illegal in Alabama. Using them carries risks: no consumer protections, no legal recourse for disputes, potential legal liability.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Future Outlook for Alabama Sports Betting

Possible 2026 Ballot Measure

If supporters can secure 21 Senate votes, Alabama voters could decide on a constitutional amendment in November 2026.

Senator Greg Albritton's 2025 package proposed: Lottery, six casinos (at existing racetracks), statewide mobile sports betting, 24% tax rate on gaming revenue, revenue for roads, bridges, and state programs.

Obstacles remaining: Conservative moral opposition, tribal gaming interests, revenue allocation disputes, constitutional supermajority requirement, political will in legislature.

Estimated Timeline

• Optimistic: 2026-2027 (if legislation passes and voters approve)
• Realistic: 2028-2030 (if momentum builds)
• Pessimistic: Some legislators suggest 20+ years before full legalization

Shurzy Take: Alabama's been trying since 2019 and failing every single time. The constitutional supermajority requirement (21 of 34 Senate votes) is brutal. Conservative opposition is entrenched. Don't bet on Alabama legalizing sports betting anytime soon, ironically.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting

Even without legal sports betting, Alabama residents can access problem gambling resources:

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings available in Alabama

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan.

Final Thoughts: Alabama Remains on the Sidelines

Alabama is one of America's most restrictive gambling states, with sports betting remaining illegal despite years of legislative efforts.

Use DFS platforms (FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, PrizePicks) for legal NHL contests (19+ age). Visit Tennessee, Mississippi, or Florida for traditional sports betting. Monitor 2026 legislative session for potential ballot measure (but don't hold your breath).

The brutal truth: Use DFS or cross state lines. Those are your only options.