MONTGOMERY – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is calling for a special session to allow the public to vote on whether to bring lottery to the state.

“The state of Alabama has not and cannot at this time pay for the most basic services that we must provide to our people,” the governor said in a video message. “The time has come for us to find a permanent solution.”

Alabama is one of six states not participating in the multistate Powerball, nor does Alabama have a state-run lottery or participate in Mega Millions.

Earlier this year Alabama state Rep. Mack Butler told ABC affiliate station WBMA-TV that state residents should be able to vote on a state lottery. “People are going to our border states and those dollars are leaving, so if we could keep those dollars here it will be beneficial to the people of Alabama,” he said.

Previous efforts to bring the lottery to Alabama have not been successful, and there are no guarantees the latest attempt will produce a positive outcome for lottery supporters. CNN Money reports that a lottery will keep the state government from raising taxes.

“This solution will provide funding that we can count on year after year without ever having to raise your taxes or put one more Band-Aid on our state's money problems,” Bentley said.

Should a public vote take place, it would be for a constitutional amendment to bring the lottery to Alabama. It would also help “plug the hole in the state's dismal finances,” notes CNN Money, with $225 million in annual state revenue.

Bentley also noted that many Alabama residents already play the lottery across state lines, which is much-needed revenue Alabama is missing out on. “As you know, most of our neighboring states have lotteries, and Alabamians are some of their best customers. …It's time we stop supporting other states' budgets, and keep our money at home to solve our own problems.”