Georgia Senate put an end to online sports betting bill
A Georgia Senate resolution that would have put the legalization of igaming on the ballot has failed in a recent senate committee vote.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the Senate committee overwhelmingly voted down measure SR 131 which would have legalized online sports betting and casino gambling if passed, taxing operators at 20%.
Opponents of the bill pointed out the potential social issues it could cause as the reason for it not passing.
Mike Griffin, Public Affairs Representative with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, was one of several lobbyists who opposed the resolution. He told Fox 5 Atlanta, “I believe that was a victory because I saw Democrats and Republicans voting against this bill. You think about the mental health issues that are related to it. You think about the increase in addiction. You think about how up to a third of addicted gamblers are going to consider committing suicide.”
However, supporters of legal gambling say that polls show that the public wants the issue to be voted on. In addition, data provided by GeoComply Senior Advisor John Pappas indicates that many people in Georgia already bet online. There were roughly 14,500 active accounts during Super Bowl LIX, and the state is thought to be missing out on up to US$115 million in annual tax revenue.
Although this recent resolution failed to pass the Senate, other lawmakers, including Rep. Marcus Widower, still intend to introduce legislation this session to legalize sports betting.
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
