Sports Betting Referendum Gets Green Light in Georgia Senate

The Georgia Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Resolution 579, which seeks to initiate a statewide referendum on the legalization of sports betting. This resolution, passing with a 41-12 vote, achieved the required two-thirds majority, showcasing substantial legislative support for amending the constitution in favor of sports betting. This decision, coupled with previously passed legislation detailing operational specifics, represents a notable advance in the long-standing legislative efforts to legalize gambling within the state.

Should sports betting be legalized, the Georgia Lottery Corporation, under the new framework, would regulate the activity with a dedicated gaming commission. The legislation outlines the distribution of 16 licenses, with Atlanta’s professional sports teams—Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Dream, and Atlanta United—receiving five. The Augusta National Golf Club, the Professional Golf Association (PGA), and the Atlanta Motor Speedway would each get one license, while seven additional licenses would be awarded to betting providers via a lottery-controlled application process. One license is reserved for the lottery corporation itself.

The tax revenue from sports betting is earmarked for educational purposes, with 80% supporting Georgia’s pre-kindergarten program. Fifteen percent would go towards educating the public about the risks of gambling addiction, and the remaining 5% would be invested in promoting major sports events within the state.

The debate over whether legalizing sports betting necessitates a constitutional amendment or can be enacted through general law has been ongoing. Proponents of the referendum, like Sen. Bill Cowsert, R-Athens, the chief sponsor of Senate Resolution 579, argue for the public’s right to vote on this issue. “It’s politically appropriate to let the people vote,” Cowsert stated during the debate, emphasizing the importance of democratic decision-making in this process.

Sen. Carden Summers, R-Cordele, also voiced his support, trusting in the judgment of Georgia’s population. “I trust the people of Georgia to make the right decision,” he remarked, underscoring the confidence in voter wisdom.

However, some senators expressed concerns about the specifics of the proposal, particularly regarding the sports marketing fund. Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, stressed the need for state involvement in what has traditionally been a privately funded area. “We’ve depended on the business community… We need those funds if we want to be competitive,” Beach argued, highlighting the necessity for state-backed promotional efforts.

Despite the progress, opposition remains. Sen. Marty Harbin, R-Tyrone, pointed out that the projected $125 billion in economic benefits from sports betting pales in comparison to the state’s current budget surplus. “We have the money,” Harbin contended, questioning the need for legalized sports betting.

As the enabling bill and the constitutional amendment advance to the Georgia House of Representatives, the future of sports betting in Georgia remains uncertain. With the General Assembly’s 2024 session drawing to a close, the decision now lies in the hands of the House, which will determine whether Georgia voters will have the opportunity to vote on legalizing sports betting.

Last week, the Georgia Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee endorsed a referendum that could legalize both sports betting and casino gambling in Senate Resolution 538.