• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 14, 2024

Georgia Eyes $400M Annual Boost As Sports Betting Bill Gains Steam

  • The state’s Senate Economic Development Committee approved Senate Bill 57 by an 8-1 vote.
  • The Georgia Lottery Corporation would oversee the state’s legal sports betting infrastructure.
General view of the Georgia state capitol building in Atlanta.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia is one step closer to finally legalizing sports betting.

The state’s Senate Economic Development Committee approved Senate Bill 57 by an 8-1 vote, sending it to a full vote.

The Georgia Lottery Corporation would oversee the state’s legal sports betting infrastructure, essentially adding it to the list of games already authorized by the creation of the lottery in 1992.

As a result, the state would not have to amend its constitution to legalize sports betting — it could become law without any vote from the general public and would need only a simple majority from both the state Senate and House.

SB 57 would legalize betting both online and at in-person kiosks — which could be deployed at a variety of businesses, including sports venues.

Sports gambling reached an all-time high in 2022.

Expanded Legal Betting Access Leads to Record Year

It’s a whopping 72.7% increase from 2021’s record of $4.3 billion.
February 16, 2023

Per the bill’s chief sponsor, Sen. Billy Hickman, 20% of the adjusted gross income raised by legal sports betting would go to the Georgia Lottery Corp. to benefit education.

Hickman recently claimed sports betting could generate $300 million to $400 million annually for the state, as well as creating $1 billion in state economic impact and more than 8,500 jobs.

Georgia has been in this position before and has a long way to go before sports betting actually legalizes: The state Senate introduced bills in 2021 and 2022 — with the former actually passing the Senate — but neither made it into law.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Cup Courts Receive Mixed Reviews in Year 2 Debut

All 30 teams have special courts for the tournament games.

NHL’s Smallest-Market Team Is Breaking Records, Securing Its Future

Both wins and attendance are way up for the often-overlooked NHL franchise.

NFL TV Ratings Up Big on Major Networks, but There’s a Caveat

This NFL season has been marked by new media trends.
Nov 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the third quarter at Target Center.

Trail Blazers Troll Fan With Gambling Addiction Helpline

The official account suggested that a complaining fan on X/Twitter should call 1-800-GAMBLER.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Jerry Jones Holding the Cowboys Back?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
DraftKings

DraftKings Lowers Full-Year Guidance After Brutal NFL Outcomes

DraftKings cited a tough start to the fourth quarter in lowering its 2024 guidance.
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 6, 2024

Missouri Becomes 39th State to Legalize Sports Gambling

Missouri was the only state with sports gambling on its ballot this election cycle.
Sports betting Analyst Steve Coughlin gives out high-fives on the set of ESPN's College Game Day at the University of Texas, ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Georgia Bulldogs in Austin, Oct. 19, 2024.
November 7, 2024

ESPN Bet at Critical Point As Penn Reports Quarterly Earnings

The two sides agreed to a 10-year deal last August.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 5, 2024

On the Ballot: Sports Betting, Former Athletes Impacting the 2024 Election

Several U.S. Senate candidates have sports backgrounds, while Missouri voters will consider legalizing sports betting.
Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump rally.
November 4, 2024

Sports Betting Companies Holding Comic at Arm’s Length After Trump Rally

Hinchcliffe drew criticism over his comments at a rally for Trump.
November 1, 2024

Polymarket Is Pushing Into Sports Betting

Once the ballots are counted, Polymarket needs to take on sports.
October 29, 2024

Parent of Action Network, Playmaker HQ Cuts More Than 100 Jobs

Better Collective laid off dozens of employees this week.