Alabama Policy Insights

For decades, Alabama lawmakers have debated whether expanding gambling could generate new revenue for the state. But what happens when the state itself has a financial stake in citizens losing money?
On this episode of Alabama Policy Insights, Stephanie Smith sits down with Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, to examine the economic and social costs of government-sanctioned gambling.
They discuss the argument that gambling is “free money” for state budgets, the rapid shift from lottery tickets and casinos to gambling apps available 24/7, the targeting of young adults through sports betting, and whether legalization actually reduces illegal gambling. They also explore the emerging world of prediction markets and the tension between federal regulation and state gambling laws.
Plus, Les explains why opposition to predatory gambling has brought together conservatives, progressives, faith communities, and consumer advocates—and what Alabamians can do if they want to get involved.
Is gambling expansion really an economic win—or does the house always win?

Caroleene Dobson, the Republican nominee for Alabama Secretary of State, joins Alabama Policy Insights to talk about an office most voters only think about on Election Day — but one with far bigger implications for the state's economy and future. Raised on a farm in rural Monroe County and educated at Harvard and Baylor Law, Dobson brings a real estate and corporate law background to a role that has been traditionally filled by election administrators.
She lays out her plans to modernize the state's outdated business filing fees and website, position Alabama to capture corporate relocations fleeing Delaware, and stem the "brain drain" of young Alabamians to cities like Atlanta and Nashville.
With respect to elections, Dobson outlines a proposed election integrity and security division, voter roll maintenance reforms, registrar training, expanded absentee access for shift workers, and lessons Alabama can borrow from Florida's election crimes unit. The conversation also covers campaign finance transparency, the murky role of the Secretary of State in municipal elections, and why she believes protecting Alabama's values has to go hand-in-hand with pursuing its growth.

What happens when only 13% of students are proficient in civics and American history? Connor Boyack, founder of Libertas Institute and creator of the Tuttle Twins series, joins Alabama Policy Insights to discuss why civic literacy matters more than ever.
From family conversations and faith to education freedom, entrepreneurship, and government accountability, Connor explains how storytelling can transform the way children—and adults—understand liberty. He shares why parents shouldn't rely solely on schools, how lemonade stands teach real-world economics, and why local civic engagement is the key to strengthening communities.
Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about the future of America, this conversation offers practical ideas for raising informed, engaged citizens who understand both freedom and responsibility.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joins Alabama Policy Insights to discuss his campaign for governor and his vision for Alabama’s future. Coach Tuberville shares his thoughts on government spending, immigration reform, economic development, AI education, school choice, and the challenges facing both Washington and Montgomery. He also explains why he believes Alabama is positioned for major growth—and what he would prioritize on day one as governor.

Sports betting was illegal in 48 states just seven years ago. Now it's on your phone, in your living room, and targeting your kids. And Alabama is next on the industry's list.
In this episode of Alabama Policy Insights, we sit down with investigative journalist and author Danny Funt to unpack what's really driving the sports betting boom and who pays the price when states say yes.
Funt spent years reporting for the Washington Post before writing "Everybody Loses", a deep dive into how a $100 billion industry engineered its own mainstream acceptance, why the professional sports leagues did a complete about-face in 2018, and what actually happens to families, communities, and state budgets once the bill comes due.
What you'll hear in this conversation:
- Why governors in Ohio and Massachusetts now publicly regret signing sports betting into law
- How betting platforms profile customers from the moment they open an account and bombard the most vulnerable with bonuses designed to keep them hooked
- The VIP programs that cultivate "friendships" with the highest-losing customers to make quitting feel like a personal betrayal
- Why one in five college students is now dipping into tuition money to fund sports bets
- What public health experts say about gambling's impact on adolescent boys and why the full consequences may still be years away
- How the industry uses the word "gaming" deliberately and what the founder of the American Gaming Association admitted about why
Alabama hasn't legalized sports betting. Many states are regretting their decision to open the door. Will Alabama listen?
Read Danny Funt's book: Everybody Loses, available wherever books are sold.