Gov. Robert Bentley is creating a study commission on gambling.
The governor made the announcement Monday, a little more than a week after saying electronic bingo casinos were operating in the state illegally.
Bentley said Alabama Advisory Council on Gaming will assess the current state and local laws on gambling and practices in other states. The council will make recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders ahead of the 2017 legislative session.
The governor said the council will provide a "fresh perspective" on a controversial subject.
Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange last month sent letters to Macon and Lowndes county law enforcement officials asking them to stop "the continued operation of the illegal electronic bingo" in those counties.