Hopes of legalizing sports betting in Georgia in 2024 grew increasingly dim Wednesday.

The Georgia House Higher Education Committee met Wednesday, discussing Senate Bill 386 and Senate Resolution 579. Unfortunately for sports betting supporters, there was no vote on the joint legislative effort in the committee Wednesday, and Thursday marks the end of the state’s legislative session.

For Georgia to legalize sports betting in 2024, both SR 579 and its enabling legislation (SB 386) need to pass through the committee and receive approval on the House floor Thursday. The legislation also needs Senate approval Thursday for the changes made to the bill in the House.

It’s unlikely, albeit not impossible, for a sports betting bill to move that significantly in a 24-hour span.

The joint legislative effort, if approved, would bring up to 16 sports betting apps to georgia, and online sports betting revenue would be taxed at 25%. Tax revenue would benefit educational measures in the state, and Sen. Bill Cowsert is hopeful the bill will include dedicated problem gambling funding. He’s suggesting 15% of tax revenue go to responsible gambling measures.

A potentially hectic day sits on the horizon, as the House Higher Education Committee is expected to meet again Thursday morning.

It’s possible the bill passes through committee Thursday. It will then need three-fifths approval in the House, plus Senate support of changes to the bill.

If the legislation makes a lengthy journey through the legislature Thursday, it still needs voter approval in November to become law. Should all those steps go according to plan for sports betting supporters, betting apps would likely go live in the state in 2025.