Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.

In Alabama, gaming law is quite restrictive compared to other states. The state constitution prohibits most forms of gambling, with exceptions for pari-mutuel betting at licensed horse and dog tracks, and a few tribal casinos operating under federal law. The state does not have a lottery, and commercial casinos are illegal. Bingo games are allowed in certain counties where voters have approved it, but they are subject to strict regulations. Sports betting is not legal in Alabama. The federal statute 18 U.S.C. §1955, which prohibits illegal gambling businesses, applies in Alabama as it does nationwide, reinforcing the state's limitations on gambling activities. Any changes to gaming laws in Alabama would typically require a constitutional amendment, which necessitates a public referendum. It's important for individuals and businesses to consult with an attorney to understand the specific legal landscape of gaming in Alabama, as it can involve complex interplay between state statutes, federal law, and local ordinances.