A proposed constitutional amendment (Senate Resolution 538) to legalize sports betting and brick-and-mortar casino gambling in Georgia passed through the state's Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee late last week. The legislative effort would require approval from the General Assembly, the Governor, and Georgia voters to become law.
The proposal comes as a different bill, Senate Bill 386, attempts to legalize sports betting in Georgia. That bill could bring up to 16 sports betting apps to georgia, and it also requires voter approval to become law. SB 386, which passed through the Senate but hasn't moved in the House, doesn't legalize casino gambling in the Peach State.
SR 538, on the other hand, would create a widespread expansion of gambling in Georgia.
“The economic impact of sports betting probably is not going to be that great, guys,” Sen. Carden Summers said during last week’s committee hearing. “Maybe $80 million, $100 million. The economic impact of casinos will be in the billions.”