A bill that would allow voters to decide whether to establish a lottery in Alabama cleared its first hurdle in the state Legislature.

The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee approved the lottery bill, sponsored by Rep. Alan Harper, on Wednesday. The vote came after a public hearing, in which about eight speakers said they opposed a lottery and only one supported the bill.

Opponents of the bill said a lottery would hurt the poor and that families would suffer because money for household necessities would be squandered on lottery tickets. Other registered moral objections calling the bill “evil.” Attorney Eric Johnston also suggested that based on previous judicial interpretations of the word “lottery,” the provision could open the door to casino-type gambling.

Harper said the bill is a response to demands from people in Alabama, who want to have a chance to vote on a lottery. He also disputed Johnston’s claim his bill would not open the door to casinos.