In Georgia, state Rep. Ron Stephens said despite ups and downs, he’s confident his bill, HB 86, will make it to “sine die,” or the halfway point in the legislative session, March 8. That’s the last day bills must pass in their chamber to move over to the other side for consideration. “This is politics,” Stephens said. The bill passed out of committee last month and was scheduled for a House floor vote when voting-rights legislation took center stage.
HB 86 would mandate require the Georgia Lottery Corp. to grant at least six sports betting companies. Revenue would be taxed at 20 percent.
In the Senate, state Senator Jeff Mullis has sponsored SB 142 which, like Stephens’ bill, would allow online gaming to start immediately. It also would legalize sports betting within state lines, with a $2,500 cap on monthly deposit into an individual’s account. Wagers would not be allowed on Georgia teams.
The two bills differ in tax structure and other technical issues. Governor Brian Kemp has not indicated whether he supports the legislation; his office stated he doesn’t comment on pending bills.
Also in the Senate, SR 135 co-sponsored by Mullis and state Senator Bill Cowsert would require a constitutional amendment to allow sports betting, which would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers, followed by a statewide voter referendum in November 2022.
Cowsert, chairman of the Senate Regulations and Utilities Committee, said he has concerns over the constitutionality of SB 142, since laws regarding the state lottery are very specific and experts believe a standalone gaming bill would lead to lawsuits. “It’s a real stretch to call sports betting a lottery game. We’re on pretty thin ice to convince a court,” Cowsert said.
Under his bill, proceeds would go to the HOPE scholarship and pre-K education as well as needs-based scholarships, grants or loans; rural health care services and health care insurance coverage; or broadband services to unserved areas.
Cowsert said the measure will not create a significant new revenue stream for the state since sports betting only is expected to generate about $25 million to $50 million annually.
Both SB 142 and SR 135 passed out of Cowsert’s committee and were headed for consideration in the full Senate. Republicans control the House and Senate but need Democratic support for the bills to become law. Recently Democrats said they would oppose the bills to retaliate against Republicans for proposing harsh voting rights measures.
