Georgia Review
Georgia Sports Betting on Hold: 2023 Efforts Stall, 2024 Uncertain
Georgians looking to place legal sports bets will need to wait a bit longer. Efforts to legalize sports betting in the state fell short in 2023, and the path forward remains unclear for 2024.
Early 2023 Bills Fail to Gain Traction
Two bills aimed at legalizing sports betting in Georgia died in early March 2023. A last-minute attempt to revive the issue through House Bill 237 (HB 237) also failed. Though initial optimism emerged after the bill’s content shifted towards sports betting, HB 237 never reached the Senate floor for debate.
Challenges Remain for Georgia betting in 2024
Lawmakers may revisit sports betting in 2024, but similar hurdles persist. Political disagreements are a major obstacle:
- Republican Hurdle: Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Senate Republicans lack the votes needed for such a significant gambling expansion.
- Democratic Opposition: Senate Democrats reportedly stand united against the initiative, likely in protest of recent Republican healthcare legislation.
Previous Proposals Offered a Glimpse
Previous proposals envisioned:
- Up to 16 online sports betting operators
- The Georgia Lottery overseeing regulations
- Tax revenue supporting education (exact tax rate undecided)
Fan Support and Industry Interest
Major Atlanta sports teams, like the Atlanta Hawks, strongly back legal sports betting. They see it as a way to boost fan engagement, particularly during challenging times for professional sports.
National online betting companies like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM are also eager for a decision. At least six major operators are ready to enter the Georgia market if sports betting is legalized.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty Persists
With the 2023 session over, the future of sports betting in Georgia remains uncertain. Whether lawmakers can bridge the political divide and establish a legal framework will be a key question for the upcoming legislative session.
Georgia Betting FAQs
No, sports betting is not currently legal in Georgia. Attempts to legalize it in 2023 were unsuccessful, and the outlook for 2024 remains uncertain.
Two main reasons stalled progress: disagreements between political parties and a last-ditch effort through House Bill 237 that failed to gain momentum.
Previous proposals envisioned up to 16 online sports betting operators, with the Georgia Lottery overseeing regulations. Tax revenue would go towards education, although the exact tax rate wasn't decided.
Major Atlanta sports teams, like the Atlanta Hawks, and national online betting companies like FanDuel and DraftKings all support legalization.
Lawmakers might revisit the issue in 2024, but overcoming political divides and establishing a legal framework will be significant hurdles.
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