A lawmaker has filed a new bill to expand the Georgia Lottery and allow for the agency to offer sports betting.
Sen. Billy Hickman filed Senate Bill 208, which would expand the state lottery’s powers and allow it to offer Georgia sports betting. This bill joins Senate Resolution 131, which aims to amend the Georgia Constitution to allow sports betting.
Similar pieces of legislation passed the Senate last year, falling short in the House Rules Committee.
Georgia sports betting pathway
The differing ideas of how to legalize sports betting have derailed efforts in the past. A constitutional amendment requires two-thirds votes in both chambers, as well as approval from Georgia voters.
SR 131 would require separate enacting legislation like SB 208 if voters approve of the issue.
Multiple parties have opined that a constitutional amendment is not needed. Because of opposition on both sides of the aisle, bipartisan support is necessary for any sports betting legislation, particularly for two-thirds approval. Fights between Republicans and Democrats in Georgia have also sidelined sports betting efforts in the past.
Georgia framework
The Georgia Lottery would establish and oversee the rules of the industry. The legislation provides a master license for the lottery.
The lottery could also issue up to 18 licenses to the state’s professional sports teams, the PGA Tour, Augusta National, NASCAR or an entity approved by the National Steeplechase Association.
The state would levy a 25% tax on the sports betting revenue.
Voices grow louder
Multiple proponents, including Sen. Brandon Beach, spoke out for the need to legalize sports betting during the break between legislative sessions. Beach said Peach State legislators have been “shortsighted” in their inability to pass legislation.
Gov. Brian Kemp said he is neutral on the issue but does see benefits from the industry.
A recent University of Georgia poll found 63% of Georgians want legal sportsbooks. A report from GeoComply earlier this year found that 297,239 legal sportsbook accounts attempted to log in from Georgia during the 2024 NFL season. That was a 101% year-over-year increase from 2023.
