Could Legal Sports Betting Finally Be Coming to Georgia?

Once again, a group of Georgia lawmakers are indicating their plans to propose the legalization of sports betting through top sportsbooks to residents of the Peach State in the upcoming election.

Georgia is known as one of America’s most sports-focused states, with professional teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, and Atlanta Braves, as well as a prominent NCAA program in the Georgia Bulldogs. Additionally, Georgia has the sixth-largest population in the United States, with 12.7 million residents.

Lawmakers in the state of Georgia have not yet embraced a legalized sports betting platform for the state’s passionate sports fans, which is somewhat surprising.

Recent efforts to re-open legislative talks regarding Georgia sports betting could potentially lead to changes in the upcoming session of the state’s legislature, which begins in January.

Push by Georgia lawmakers

Last week, Brandon Beach, co-chairman of the Joint Economic Development and Tourism Committee, admitted that he is advocating for Georgia citizens to have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of sports betting in the state in the 2024 election.

He was not the only one eager to hear from the voters.

During a recent interview, House Chair and state representative Ron Stephens mentioned that smartphones did not even exist when the gaming industry first started. He noted that technology has advanced significantly since then, with major league sports teams expressing interest in using smartphones for fan engagement. Stephens suggested that it may be time to consider implementing this technology and asked whether the public is in favor of it, pointing out that many other states are already doing so.

Supporters of legal sports betting in Georgia have previously attempted, without success, to advance the concept of legalized sports betting in the state.

Failed attempts

There has been some interest in launching a legal sports betting platform in Georgia, with lawmakers frequently discussing the topic. However, so far, it has not advanced beyond mere talk.

Efforts in recent years to consider a legal sports betting Bill in the state have been unsuccessful, including the failure of House Bill 237 earlier in 2023. The bill did not even make it to the House floor for debate, indicating its inevitable demise.

Sen. Brandon Beach’s recent efforts to promote the financial advantages of top sports betting apps and a retail platform could potentially revolutionize the industry.

He said, “We are using revenue from Georgia license plates to support North Carolina’s education system through gaming. I believe this is a decision that should be left up to the voters.”

More on the benefits

Beach presented plans for a legal sports betting platform and betting sites in Georgia, along with a clear understanding of which groups would profit from the tax revenue generated.

Beach estimates that Georgia could generate up to $900 million per year after the establishment of a legal sports betting platform. The revenue from sports betting could directly benefit state programs such as infrastructure development, health care, and education in Georgia.

As per Beach, 50% of the funds raised will be dedicated to infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and rail, while the remaining 50% will be allocated towards health care, education, and initiatives addressing gambling addiction and mental health in Georgia. Additionally, 10% of the proceeds will be directed towards Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Moving forward

Georgia lawmakers need a constitutional amendment and the approval of voters in order to legalize a sports betting platform in the state.

The Georgia legislature will resume its regular session on Jan. 8, with a focus on the potential legalization of sports betting and the significant tax revenue it could bring in, following the trend seen across the country.

Following that, there is optimism that November 2024 could be a significant month for Georgia. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on a bill to legalize sports betting, or choose to delay the decision once more.