How will Georgia lawmakers kill off sports betting once again? Let us count the ways.
First let’s look at the positives of not killing it. On January 9, day two of the legislative session, the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee advanced SB 172. Another possible positive rests with those pushing for tying legislation to the Georgia Lottery, thus eliminating the need for a constitutional amendment. Pro sports teams support this avenue as does the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
That said, SB 172 faces formidable opposition. Sources blame divisive state politics, with a session that only runs through March.
Per the proposed bill, sports betting revenue would be taxed at 20 percent. But parlays, prop bets and live bets—labeled high-profit bets—come with a 25 percent tax. This may be the first time these kinds of bets get a higher percentage tax in the U.S.
The bill legalizes online bets and those at remote terminals, all regulated by a seven-member sports betting commission. The state would allow a minimum of six online licenses. Pro teams can include sports betting kiosks in their stadiums or arenas.
Still, SB 172 is merely an enabling bill that doesn’t mean much until a constitutional amendment passes. As we said before, the amendment is a major point of concern among some lawmakers and gambling proponents.
“I don’t see anything to fear from a constitutional amendment,” State Senator Bill Cowsert told Legal Sports Report. “It’s the right thing to do. Let the people decide when you’re making a major policy change.”
A version of this bill failed to garner enough lawmaker support last year.
SB 172 is not expected to be the only bill that surfaces. The others also face problems crossing to the other chamber after introduction.
Some bills limit the thrust to sports betting only. On the other extreme are efforts that include casinos.
While most industry sources suggest Georgia is likely to fall victim to partisan politics once again, at least one has high hopes.
