Voters May Get to Decide on Sports Betting and Casinos in Georgia

The Georgia Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee has endorsed a referendum that could legalize both sports betting and casino gambling.

Late Thursday, the committee green-lighted a proposed constitutional amendment for a statewide referendum. This would allow Georgia voters to voice their opinion on not just legalizing sports betting but also opening the door to casino gambling within the state. This year, while other gambling-related legislative efforts have been focused solely on sports betting, this particular resolution broadens the horizon to include casinos.

Senator Carden Summers of Cordele, the primary advocate of Senate Resolution 538, emphasized the substantial economic impact that casinos could have compared to sports betting alone. He highlighted the fact that many Georgians, estimated at over 80,000, already visit casinos in other states annually. The concern, according to Summers, is that the economic benefits from these visits, including jobs and tax revenues, do not benefit Georgia.

Drawing parallels with the success of the Georgia Lottery, which has significantly contributed to the HOPE Scholarship and pre-kindergarten programs, Summers showcased the positive outcomes of legalized gambling within the state. “The lottery’s been wonderful for our children,” he remarked, suggesting a similar potential for growth and support through legalized casinos and sports betting.

Senate Resolution 538 outlines that half of the tax revenues from sports betting and casinos would be allocated to transportation improvements. Additionally, 20% would be earmarked for pre-kindergarten and child-care programs, while the remaining 30% would be split equally among mental health and gambling addiction programs, rural health care, and support for Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The resolution proposes the establishment of five casinos across Georgia, aiming to spur economic growth and provide new revenue streams. Local leaders from Columbus, Henry, and Liberty counties have voiced their support for the bill, citing the economic uplift casinos could bring to their regions.

Senator Summers also addressed the legislative history of gambling legalization in Georgia, noting the extensive debates and numerous bills introduced over the years without success. He advocated for letting the people of Georgia decide on this issue, stating, “Let’s put this issue to bed. I trust the people of Georgia to make this decision.”