Georgia Again Fails To Legalise Sports Betting

Georgia’s General Assembly have missed yet another opportunity to legalize sports betting in the state. Despite the Senate passing a package of bills within three weeks, the full House did not even consider the legislation. This marks the fourth consecutive session in which Georgia lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on sports betting.

The amended bills, consisting of a constitutional amendment and enabling legislation, made it out of the House Higher Education Committee early Thursday morning. However, the Rules Committee decided not to consider these bills despite several meetings held throughout the day. The lack of compromise between Republicans and Democrats prevented the legislation from progressing.

In 2021, state Democrats withdrew their support for sports betting legalization after Republicans passed a controversial voting rights bill. This year, despite the Senate gaining the necessary two-thirds majority to pass a constitutional amendment, the Republicans could not secure enough Democratic support in the House.

The constitutional amendment, known as SR 579, included provisions for problem gambling funding and responsible gaming. It earmarked 15% of tax revenue, capped at $22.5 million per year, for these purposes. Had the resolution reached the floor, a second amendment would have been offered, reducing the problem gambling funds to 5% of tax revenue and reallocating other funds.

Responsible gaming advocate Brianne Doura-Schawohl commended Georgia’s commitment to addressing problem gambling. She highlighted that the state’s proposed amendment surpassed the contributions of 38 other states and Washington, D.C., in tackling this public health issue.

Georgia was considered one of the industry’s best prospects for legalizing sports betting in 2024. With twelve states yet to legalize sports betting, including neighbouring states Alabama and South Carolina, stakeholders saw Georgia as an opportunity for expansion.

However, with Georgia’s ongoing legislative stalemate, attention is shifting to other states. Minnesota and Missouri are still considering bills that could legalize sports betting. In Minnesota, the bills face challenges in securing the full support of the state’s tribes. In Missouri, a ballot initiative backed by professional sports teams could potentially bring sports betting to the state.

As the legislative battle continues in Georgia, industry stakeholders and supporters will await the next opportunity for sports betting legalization. The state’s failure to pass legislation highlights the challenges of achieving consensus on this issue. However, the growing momentum for sports betting legalization across the country suggests that Georgia may eventually join the ranks of states embracing this form of entertainment.