(The Center Square) — A Georgia state lawmaker has filed legislation to legalize mobile sports betting.
House Bill 380, the “Georgia Lottery Game of Sports Betting Act,” would authorize the Georgia Lottery Corp. to operate and regulate sports betting in the state. Under the proposal, revenue from sports betting would go to educational programs under the Georgia Lottery, including the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K education.
State senators are considering a separate measure, Senate Bill 57, the “Georgia Sports Betting Integrity Act.” It would allow betting on horse racing.
“HB 380 would allow sports betting to become legal and bring Georgia in line with 36 other states across the country that have already taken this step,” state Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, said in an announcement.
“Sports betting is already occurring in our state,” Wiedower added. “Legalizing this activity could generate tens of millions of dollars in additional education funding for our state if properly regulated.”
Wiedower estimates that legalized sports betting could generate roughly $50-75 million in revenue.
“I would be surprised if we did not pass … online sports betting this year,” state Sen. Jason Esteves, D-Atlanta, said during a recent virtual town hall. “…It’s an industry that continues to grow, and we’re going to continue to hear it until something passes.”
The push is unique as it has proponents and detractors on both sides of the aisle, and any vote likely will not fall along party lines.
Read the full article here
