With just 10 days left in the legislative session, Georgia lawmakers have a long way to go to pass a sports betting legalization effort.
The Georgia House Higher Education Committee discussed Senate Resolution 579 on Monday. The discussion was only a hearing for the resolution, which works in tandem with Senate Bill 386 to legalize sports betting in Georgia. SB 386 would bring up to 16 betting apps to Georgia, and the legalization effort has the support of the state's major professional franchises.
Even with some support, the bill's chances of passing dwindle with each day. Monday's discussion largely lacked focus and included legislators sharing several inaccurate points about the betting markets in other states. Bill sponsor Bill Cowsert was amenable to suggested changes to the resolution, including where sports betting tax revenue should go.
Currently, the resolution calls for 80% of tax revenue to benefit Georgia educational measures. Another 15% goes to problem gambling treatment and educational programs, and the final 5% goes toward attracting major sporting events to take place in Georgia.