Senators push for legalized sports gambling in Georgia

Another sports gambling bill is moving forward in Georgia

Another sports gambling bill is advancing in Georgia, with supporters saying they believe they can legally set up betting under the purview of the Georgia Lottery Corporation without putting the issue to a statewide vote through a constitutional amendment.

The Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee voted 8-2 Tuesday to advance Senate Bill 386, which would create 16 sports betting licenses. The measure moves to the Senate for more debate, although its prospects remain unclear after efforts to legalize gambling faltered once again in 2023.

“We believe this bill has brought a win for Georgia," said Nick Fernandez of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, which supports the plan along with Atlanta's pro sports teams.

Nationwide, 38 states allow sports betting, Some states allow only in-person bets, although most allow electronic betting from anywhere.

The lure of the bill is that it would only require a majority vote of both chambers and then the signature of Gov. Brian Kemp. A constitutional amendment would need two-thirds of both the House and Senate before it could go to voters for approval in a statewide referendum.