Gambling In Georgia? Bill Looks To Legalize Casinos, Sports BettingLegislation Would Allow For At Least Eight Casinos In The State |
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Historically anti-gambling Georgia is one of the few states in the US with no casinos, but some state senators are once again hoping to change that. Senate Resolution 131 would allow Peach State voters to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow for at least eight casinos in the state, as well as legalized sports betting.
Backers of the bill see the effort as a way to bring bettors into a legalized market and allow the millions of dollars wagered elsewhere to contribute to state coffers. Supporters also note that legalized betting will help the state keep attracting major sporting events.
“In the next seven years, Georgia will host the College Football Playoff National Championship, World Cup games, the Super Bowl, and an NCAA Final Four,” one of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Brandon Beach, noted in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in December. “Our stubbornness to legalize this wildly popular activity is not only forgoing millions of dollars in tax revenue, but also propping up shady offshore betting sites that have zero protections to prevent minors from gambling, have no problem-betting resources and might not even pay winners.”
The move comes after previous failed attempts at gaming legalization in the state in recent years. But a recent poll from the University of Georgia shows that more than 60% of voters support legal sports betting.
The bill would exclude online casinos, and specifies that gambling activities “shall take place at a casino facility owned and operated by an individual or entity that has been issued a casino gaming license in this state.”
The bill would set the tax rate for casinos and sports betting at 20% of the gross income and would create a new Georgia Gaming Commission to oversee the industry. If approved, a vote on the issue would be set for November 2026.
Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has stated his neutrality on the issue in the past, but has sought ways to boost the state’s economy and create jobs.
“My position has been very clear on gaming,” Kemp said. “That being said, the legislature, especially, if they’re trying to do a constitutional amendment, it doesn’t really matter what I think. My whole thing is if they’re going to do something like that we need to make sure it does not cannibalize the lottery and HOPE scholarship.”
Neighboring states like Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, and North Carolina all have legalized sports betting or casino gaming. Several other states have made moves toward legalized sports betting and casinos in recent weeks as well including allowing online wagering in Mississippi.
Indiana has also moved to legalize sports betting, and Texas may be in the cards as well with Gov. Greg Abbott recently expressing support.
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