Georgia Senate approved a bill related to sports betting

The Georgia Senate has approved Senate Bill 386, paving the way for legalized sports betting in the state. The vote tally stood at 34-15, indicating substantial support for the measure. However, a constitutional amendment is deemed necessary before the bill can be enacted into law, posing a potential hurdle as it requires the backing of at least 38 senators, casting uncertainty on its fate.

Senator Jason Esteves expressed frustration over the recurring impasse on the issue, lamenting the challenges faced in reaching consensus despite widespread agreement on the matter. Previous attempts to expand gambling in Georgia have encountered similar obstacles, with lawmakers unable to reconcile differing opinions on which forms of gambling should be permitted.

The bill's proponents argue that sports betting can be legalized under the auspices of the state lottery, negating the need for a constitutional amendment. They point to the state's prior approval of a constitutional amendment in 1992 to establish the lottery.

Disagreement persists among senators regarding the allocation of tax revenues generated from sports wagering. Some advocate for directing funds towards initiatives addressing problem gambling, while others advocate for prioritizing educational programs.

Supporters of a constitutional amendment contend that Georgia voters did not intend for sports betting to be included when they approved the lottery in 1992. They criticize attempts to bypass a statewide vote as "sneaky" and warn that any law passed without voter approval could face legal challenges.

The last attempt to pass a constitutional amendment in 2023 fell short, securing only 30 votes, below the required threshold of 38.

Key provisions of the bill include a proposed 20% tax rate on sports betting revenue, granting a single license to the Georgia Lottery, allocating eight licenses to in-state sports interests, and issuing an additional seven licenses to private operators. Private operators would be required to pay an annual fee of $1 million.

The passage of Senate Bill 386 marks a significant development in Georgia's ongoing debate over legalized sports betting, yet its ultimate enactment hinges on the resolution of constitutional and legislative hurdles.

By fLEXI tEAM