As the clock ticks down, Georgia’s House of Representatives is considering two pivotal bills that could pave the way for legal sports betting in the state. HB 686 and HR 450 aim to establish a framework for online sports betting and propose a constitutional amendment, respectively. However, with the crossover deadline looming on March 6, time is of the essence for these bills to advance to the opposite chamber.
Digital Sports Betting Framework Proposed 201910
The proposed legislation focuses exclusively on digital sports betting, leaving the decision to voters through a referendum. If ed, the bills would create a competitive marketplace regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation, which would also have the authority to operate a digital betting platform. Notably, the house proposal includes a unique provision that prevents the regulator from setting maximum or minimum payout or hold percentages, a departure from the norm in most states, unlike Tennessee, which did so in 2019, when it legalized betting.
Political Hurdles and Market Potential 40342j
Georgia’s journey toward legal sports betting has been partisan disputes have stalled progress. The state’s status as the largest without legal sports wagering, aside from California and Texas, underscores the potential market size. If legalized, Georgia could become the sixth-largest sports betting market in the U.S., ing neighboring states like Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee, which already offer digital betting.
Licensing and Revenue Allocation 4h4v38
The new legislation outlines the issuance of 16 licenses, including seven stand-alone licenses and nine allocated to major sports entities such as the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and the Augusta National Golf Club. The constitutional amendment would appear on the November 2026 ballot, with a proposed launch date of July 31, 2027. The bills also propose a 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue, with specific allocations for problem gambling initiatives and educational programs.
Responsible Gambling Measures and Data Use 3f5v49
The legislation emphasizes responsible gambling, requiring operators to implement comprehensive programs and display the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline prominently. Operators must also offer intervention levels for at-risk players and adhere to advertising restrictions. While the bills do not mandate the use of official league data, they allow sports leagues to request its use and prohibit betting on certain events, such as injuries and penalties.
