Georgia lawmakers to renew debate on legalised gambling
Lawmakers may introduce several bills for the legalisation of gambling in Georgia for 2022.
US.- Lawmakers in Georgia are considering introducing new legislation for the legalisation of commercial gambling at the General Assembly’s reconvention on January 10, 2022.
Georgia has looked at bills to legalise gambling just about every year for the last 10 years. However, 2022 may see the strongest push yet, with legislators in favour of legalised gambling expected to introduce multiple bills in favour of the creation of a legal land-based casino industry, sports betting and pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.
The state Senate passed a constitutional amendment last March calling for a statewide referendum on the legalisation of sports betting. While Senate Resolution 135 failed to reach the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives, it marked the first time a gambling bill had made it through either legislative chamber.
“It looks more encouraging than ever,” said state representative Ron Stephens, a longtime supporter of legalisation.
Professional sports teams in Atlanta have announced their support. Some of them include Atlanta United, the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks. They have said that sports betting would boost fan engagement and make sporting events more enjoyable for viewers.
Georgia is one of only six states that does not have commercial or tribal casinos, or legal sports betting. The others are Hawaii, Kentucky, South Carolina, Utah, and Vermont.
