New-Twist Georgia Legal Sports Betting Bill Introduced

On Tuesday night, the fight for legal sports betting legislation in Georgia saw an intriguing development as a proposal was introduced that could potentially resolve a major obstacle that had derailed past efforts.

SB 316, introduced in the Georgia Senate and sponsored by 16 members, is a unique bipartisan bill that has gained widespread support from Georgia’s professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves.

The SB 316 proposal eliminates the need for a constitutionally mandated amendment, which would require a difficult two-thirds majority in both the state House and Senate to pass, a challenging feat in the current political climate.

What’s in the Bill?

SN 312 aims to legalize top sports betting apps and issue a total of 16 licenses within the state. The Georgia Lottery Corporation would be responsible for overseeing and regulating the platform.

Legalizing sports betting as a form of lottery game would bypass the need for a constitutional amendment, making it easier to pass through the House and Senate with a simple majority vote. This would remove a significant obstacle in the legalization process.

Sports betting providers in the Peach State will be subject to a 15% tax on their adjusted gross revenue, along with a $100,000 application fee for the best sportsbooks. Additionally, they will need to pay a $1 million fee annually to renew their application.

Betting on college sports would be allowed.

SB 316 has broad support

Legal sports betting and betting sites in Georgia have garnered widespread support from iconic state teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves, and the Georgia Bulldogs, one of the most renowned NCAA programs in the country.

Governor Brian Kemp (R) and Lt. Governor Burt Jones (R) have expressed their support for the newest bill, while Senate Minority Leader Senator Gloria Butler (D) and other Senators are also backing efforts to finally pass a legal sports betting bill.

Another bill, anyone?

Senator Bill Cowsert (R) introduced his own sports betting legislation at the start of the month, suggesting the establishment of a Georgia Sports Betting Commission through SB 172.

Under the proposed Bill, both retail and mobile sports betting would be permitted in the state, with type 1 licenses and lower-level type 2 licenses available. The tax rates would be 25% on adjusted gross income for parlays, prop bets, and live bets, and 20% on adjusted gross income from all other wagers.

The primary distinction is that a constitutional amendment would need to be implemented.

There is a strong desire for legal sports betting in Georgia, now the challenge is to follow through on the advocacy efforts and make it a reality.