The Alabama Policy Institute recently released the results of a poll taken among Alabama voters on a variety of questions regarding the expansion of gambling in the state.

Alabama Republican voters oppose the expansion of gambling, according to a poll of 977 statewide primary voters.

It is clear the expansion of gambling is not a top priority for the people of Alabama, and they are concerned about the negative impacts that an expansion of gambling would have on the citizens of our state. Among those polled, 64 percent expressed special concern about a casino being placed in their town, while 68 percent opposed sports betting. Meanwhile, an astounding 80 percent of primary voters polled opposed digital gambling and the increased domestic violence and child trafficking that gambling expansion brings.

Other specific questions with responses are as follows:

“Do you support having digital gambling available on every smartphone in Alabama?”

Yes: 8 percent

No: 80 percent

No opinion: 12 percent

“Do you support having sports betting available on smartphones?”

Yes: 12 percent

No: 68 percent

No opinion: 20 percent

“Would you support locating a casino in your neighborhood or community?”

Yes: 23 percent

No: 64 percent

No opinion: 13 percent

“Would you support increasing penalties for illegal gambling?”

Yes: 52 percent

No: 24 percent

No opinion: 25 percent

“Would you support expanding gambling in the state if it increased crime?”

Yes: 16 percent

No: 61 percent

No opinion: 22 percent

“Would you support expanding gambling in the state if it increased domestic violence and child trafficking?”

Yes: 7 percent

No: 80 percent

No opinion: 13 percent

“Would you support expanding gambling in the state if it diverted money from small businesses?”

Yes: 10 percent

No: 70 percent

No opinion: 20 percent

“Would you support expanding gambling in the state if it increased drug addiction and mental illnesses?”

Yes: 5 percent

No: 80 percent

No opinion: 15 percent