Georgia: sports betting passes Senate

The sports betting resolution and bill must now gain the House’s approval.

US.- The Georgia State Senate has passed proposed legislation that would legalise sports betting in the state.

The Senate has approved Senate Resolution 135, which would pave the way for a constitutional amendment allowing sports betting if it gains approval in the House and in a statewide election.

Senate Bill 142, which would establish sports betting regulations, was also approved by 34 votes to 17. Both pieces of legislation will now be put to the House.

Their lead sponsor, Republican Senator Jeff Mullis, said: “The constitutional amendment is simply allowing the very people that you represent – the ones that vote for,  or maybe don’t vote for you – you’re allowing them to decide no or yes on sports betting.”

Meanwhile, lawmakers in the state have put forward two bills that would legalise casinos and racing.

How would sports betting look in Georgia?

SB 142 would allow for sports wagering on professional and college sporting events, excluding college games that involve Georgia universities.

It proposes offering mobile sports betting licences to six companies, which would pay 16 per cent income tax.

Senator Mullis said many sports teams “from professional ping-pong to frog jumping – provided it’s professional – can benefit from this.” 

Georgia sports betting already has the support of the four major sports teams in the state.