Gambling Money Draws Scrutiny in Alabama Races from CCA

The Christian Coalition of Alabama is raising concerns about campaign contributions flowing through a Montgomery-based political action committee, arguing that voters deserve greater transparency about the source of political money tied to out-of-state sports betting interests.

In a statement released Monday, the organization called on candidates who have accepted contributions from SV&B PAC to disclose the origins of those funds and explain their positions on gambling expansion in Alabama.

According to campaign finance records cited by the coalition, the Sports Betting Alliance, a Virginia-based advocacy organization representing major sports betting companies, has contributed more than $1 million to SV&B PAC, a political action committee associated with the Montgomery lobbying firm Swatek, Vaughn & Bryan. Public records reviewed by multiple news outlets show the PAC has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Alabama candidates since 2025.

The Sports Betting Alliance represents several major online sportsbook operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Bet365 and Fanatics.

The Christian Coalition argues that routing contributions through a political action committee can make it less obvious to voters where campaign money originally came from.

“Alabamians deserve to know who is trying to buy influence in our elections. A Virginia gambling lobby is moving nearly two million dollars through a Montgomery PAC and spreading it across Alabama campaigns. That is not charity. These interests are investing, and they expect a return — the legalization of gambling in our state.”

— Dr. Randy Brinson, President and Chairman, Christian Coalition of Alabama

The Coalition said its concern is not simply the amount of money involved but the structure through which it is distributed. According to the organization, contributions ultimately appear in candidate finance reports under the name of the PAC rather than the original donor, making it more difficult for voters to track the source of political funding.

As an example, the Coalition pointed to Lt. Gov. candidate Wes Allen. It noted that SV&B PAC contributed approximately $7,000 to Allen between 2018 and 2022 before making a $15,000 contribution on Dec. 29, 2025. Public campaign finance records show Allen's campaign received a $15,000 contribution from SV&B PAC during the current election cycle.

The Coalition emphasized that Allen is only one of many candidates from both political parties who have received money from the PAC.

“This is bigger than any one candidate. The question every Alabama voter should ask is simple: who is funding these PACs, what do they want, and which of our leaders are taking their money? Sports betting companies do not spend millions in a state where gambling is illegal unless they intend to change that.”

— Dr. Randy Brinson, President and Chairman, Christian Coalition of Alabama

The debate comes as Alabama continues to wrestle with questions surrounding gambling expansion. Efforts to authorize a State lottery, casinos and sports betting have repeatedly stalled in recent legislative sessions despite years of debate.

Reports published earlier this year found that gambling-related political action committees and advocacy groups have increased their spending in Alabama campaigns as national operators position themselves for possible future legalization efforts.

The Christian Coalition, which has long opposed gambling expansion, is urging candidates who have accepted SV&B PAC contributions to publicly address whether they intend to keep those funds and where they stand on gambling legislation.

“Alabama is not for sale,” Brinson said. “We need leaders who will protect families and put the people of this state ahead of powerful out-of-state special interests.”

The Christian Coalition of Alabama is a faith-based grassroots organization that advocates for pro-family public policy and government transparency across the State.