Georgia sports betting came fairly close to being legal and regulated in 2023. One year later, lawmakers are taking at least one more swing at bringing some of the best sportsbooks to the Peach State.
The 2024 legislative session began Monday. The next day, Georgia’s Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee advanced SB 172, which would allow for the regulation and taxation of sports betting in Georgia.
More on SB 172
SB 172 would require an amendment to Georgia’s constitution for sports betting to go live. These amendments would require two-thirds majority approvals in both the House and the Senate, as well as approval from voters throughout the Peach State.
This isn’t the first time SB 172 has made progress. It was one of several pieces of Georgia sports betting legislation that was considered by the chambers last year. This one was tabled in March, and it’s possible the competing bills damaged the chances of one of them reaching the desk of Gov. Brian Kemp.
One encouraging sign is the urgency with which the Committee advanced the bill. Last year, SB 172 was not moved forward until March, days before the legislative session concluded. Moving the bill out of committee gives the state more time to potentially debate it and put it to a vote.
Will Georgia sports betting be legalized in 2024?
It’s possible, but it’s hard to say for sure. Georgia sports betting was a hot topic a year ago, and supportive voices haven’t quieted down. In addition, the relaunch of sports betting in Florida presents a potential funnel of tax dollars to Georgia’s southern neighbor.
Multiple competing pieces of legislation, however, could divide votes and make it different to present a unified vision of what sports betting should look like. If more bills are introduced during this legislative session, the chances of at least one passing could decrease.
The political landscape itself, however, may be the biggest roadblock. 2024 is an election year not just for the U.S. presidency, but for Georgia Senate and House positions as well. Furthermore, the Georgia trial of former President Donald Trump presents another potential distraction and could prevent some legislation from moving forward.
