Georgia Sen. Bill Cowsert has reintroduced SB 172, a bill that would legalize retail and mobile sports betting in the state and received an initial stamp of approval this week.'
The bill advanced out of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee Tuesday by an 8-4 vote. It could eventually see discussion on the Senate floor, where it failed last legislative session.'
Cowsert's legislative effort reignites the push for legalized gambling in Georgia. State legislators have discussed legalizing sports betting for several years, but they've been unable to reach consensus on it.'
Last year, legislators hotly debated whether a constitutional amendment was required for gambling expansion in the state. Cowsert is among those who believe a constitutional amendment is needed, which means two-thirds of both the House and Senate would need to approve the bill. Voters statewide would then also need to approve it. Some legislators believe a constitutional amendment isn't necessary.'