Georgia Sports Betting Back in Legislature
Supporters Still Trying to Get Bills Through Before Session Ends
Sports betting supporters in the Georgia Legislature are persistent if nothing else. Despite being on the losing end of the battle in recent years, new bills are introduced annually. However, this year could be different. Legislation has already passed in the State Senate. Now it’s going to be up to the House. The House Higher Education Committee discussed the Senate’s bill, SB 386, on Tuesday, although no action was taken.
The Legislature is set to convene on March 28, so Georgia sports betting supporters only have a few weeks left to get something done.
The primary sponsor of SB 386, Sen. Clint Dixon, was present to explain the bill to the committee. The original bill would have allowed sports betting in the state without a constitutional amendment. An amendment from Sen. Bill Cowsert was added to SB 386 to put it before voters, however, and if it passes the House, the matter will go before voters in November. Cowsert also introduced Senate Resolution 579, which makes sports betting a constitutional amendment matter. It passed by a 41-12 vote.
Cowsert asserts it isn’t fair to Georgia voters to not give them a say in the matter.
“I think it’s the politically appropriate thing to do when we make this type of major policy shift in our state,” he said. “This is to give voters the opportunity to speak on the issue.”
Rep. Chuck Martin, who oversees the House Higher Education Committee, said both SB 386 and SR 579 could be discussed Wednesday, but didn’t see the committee taking a vote.
How Georgia Sports Betting Would Work
Under the proposed legislation, Georgia would allow 16 sports betting licenses to be issued. Five of them would go to the state’s professional sports teams. Augusta National Golf Club, the PGA, and Atlanta Motor Speedway would also receive a license.
The Georgia Lottery would receive one and seven would be available by a bidding process. The best sports betting sites could partner with one of the pro teams or organizations, as well as with the Lottery. They could also bid on one of the unattached licenses.
That practically ensures all of the sportsbook giants will have a presence in Georgia sports betting, which is good news for bettors. There will be plenty of offers for spread betting, moneylines, totals, and parlays. Almost anything where a score and odds can be calculated will be available to bet.
One difference between SB 386 and SR 579 is how the money generated from sports betting tax revenue is spent. The bill calls for all proceeds to go to Georgia’s HOPE Scholarships and pre-kindergarten programs. The resolution is calling for 80% of revenue to go towards education, 15% to program gambling, and 5% for the state to attract major sporting events. Both, however, are looking at a 20% tax on sports betting revenue.
There could be additional amendments before a House vote is taken. Fantasy sports supporters are hoping to see it added in, while how the revenue is spent will likely be debated more. A sports betting bill has never been passed by the Georgia House.
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