Tracy Williams, left, and Samantha Anderson pose behind the counter March 21, 2019, at TNT Beer & Tobacco in Ardmore, Tennessee. The store is a popular stop for Alabamians wanting to buy lottery tickets.

After being narrowly approved Thursday by the Alabama Senate, a bill that could allow Alabamians to vote on a paper lottery could be up for a House vote next week.

State Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, said if it makes it out of committee by Tuesday, it could hit the House floor by Wednesday.

“I think it will pass in the House if there aren’t any amendments different (from the Senate bill).”

The bill, Senate Bill 220, was sponsored by Republican Sen. Greg Albritton of Atmore. It limits a lottery to paper tickets and doesn’t allow video lottery terminals.

Senators added two amendments aimed at preventing the “paper” requirement from being used to shut down electronic bingo games at state dog tracks.

Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, was the only senator in Limestone County’s legislative delegation who voted for the bill. Sens. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and Tom Butler, R-Madison, both voted against it.

Melson explained he plans to vote “no” if the lottery referendum is put to a vote, but believes Alabamians should have the chance to vote.

“My whole point is, vote however you think is right; it’s your choice,” he said.

When asked why he voted on the bill, Melson said it was the closest he had seen to a “clean bill.”

“It had minimal amendments and doesn’t allow for future expansion,” he said.

If approved by the House and Senate, the proposal would go before voters on March 3, 2020.

Alabama is one of five states without a state lottery.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.