- As Georgia’s legislative session winds down, sports betting discussions have again reemerged
- The House Committee on Higher Education today heard the Senate approved sports betting bill SB 386
- No vote taken on the legislation
With Georgia’s legislative session scheduled ending later this month, the state’s sports betting hopes now have a definitive running clock.
For the first time since the Senate approved a bill to legalize sports betting, the Georgia House of Representatives held a public committee hearing on the legislation. Time is running out for sports betting, though, as the state’s session is scheduled to end on Thursday, March 28.
The House Committee on Higher Education held an initial hearing for SB 386, which would effectively legalize online sports betting for 16 license holders in the state if approved by Georgia voters in the general election.
Always Room for Daily Fantasy Sports
Sen. Clint Dixon (R-45) presented his bill to the committee this afternoon, but no action was taken. The triggering legislation that calls for a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting, SR 579, was not discussed.
His bill aims to legalize online sports betting for 16 license holders in the state. The legislation sets the sports betting tax rate at 20% of adjusted gross revenue. Licenses would cost $1 million annually to renew and applicants would have to pay a $100,000 application fee. It would allow for bets on college sports.
The bill accounts for a total of 16 online sports betting licenses, with the numbers breaking down as follows:
- Five for Georgia professional sports teams (Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta United FC, and Atlanta Dream)
- One for Augusta National Golf Course
- One for the PGA Tour
- One for Atlanta Motor Speedway
- One for the Georgia Lottery Corporation
The remaining seven licenses will be awarded by the gaming commission.
Despite the waning session, Dixon made it clear today that he is willing to work with the House to make the bill more amenable for passage. An increased tax rate to 25% and including daily fantasy sports language are two changes Dixon said he would be agreeable to consider for the bill.
A DFS bill died in the House last week during the state’s crossover day and the only way for the fantasy games to be legalized this year is to be included in another bill.
Challenges Remain for Legalization
The Senate-approved bill moved quickly through the chamber in February and offered some renewed hope that Georgia may actually get something done this year, but similar challenges that stalled previous bills likely still remain.
One major hang-up in past years was a disagreement at to whether or not sports betting could be legalized without voters approved a constitutional amendment. Dixon’s originally legalized sports betting without one, but was amended on the Senate floor to include one and overwhelmingly passed
Despite its quick journey through the Senate, it remains to be seen if the House will have the same energy to support sports betting this year. Partisan politics held up sports betting efforts in recent years and the constitutional amendment question could come up again to potentially derail talks.
Another hearing for the bill is scheduled in committee for tomorrow at 1 p.m.
A Georgia sports betting sponsor has recently expressed a willingness to consider changes to the current bill in order to move forward with legalizing sports betting in the state. State Senator Burt Jones, who is leading the effort to legalize sports betting in Georgia, has indicated that he is open to making amendments to the bill in order to address concerns from stakeholders and ensure that it can pass through the legislature.
One of the key changes that Senator Jones is considering is allowing for online sports betting, in addition to in-person betting at casinos and racetracks. This would make it more convenient for residents to place bets on their favorite sports teams and events, while also potentially increasing revenue for the state.
Another potential change that Senator Jones is considering is implementing a tax on sports betting revenue, which would provide additional funding for important programs and initiatives in Georgia. This tax could help offset any potential negative impacts of sports betting, such as problem gambling or addiction.
Overall, Senator Jones is committed to working with his colleagues and stakeholders to create a comprehensive and effective sports betting bill for Georgia. By being open to making changes and addressing concerns, he is demonstrating a willingness to listen to feedback and ensure that the bill is successful in legalizing sports betting in the state.
As the debate over sports betting continues in Georgia, it will be important for lawmakers to carefully consider all aspects of the bill and work together to create a solution that benefits both residents and the state as a whole. With Senator Jones leading the charge and being open to changes, there is hope that a successful sports betting bill can be passed in Georgia in the near future.
