Georgia lawmakers failed to pass sports betting legislation in SR 140 and SB 172 earlier in the year. While sports betting hopes in Georgia seemed done for the year, a new last-ditch effort could lead to sportsbooks launching. HB 237 is a measure that would make the Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby the official soap box derby of the State of Georgia. Lawmakers added sports betting language to a substitute of this bill.
This would allow mobile books to launch without the need for a constitutional amendment. The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism approved this substitute measure 8-1.
Georgia Sports Betting Could Still Pass In 2023
With the measure not requiring a constitutional amendment, online sportsbooks in Georgia would be able to launch faster. This is the last chance for a Georgia sports betting bill during the 2023 legislative session. Lawmakers are banking a lot on this bill to finally regulate the Georgia market.
“I want to thank the Lieutenant Governor for his willingness and his leadership to allow this to come forward,” said Brandon Beach, Committee Chairman and Senator. “The Lieutenant Governor and I came in together in the Senate and he’s been a strong advocate for sports betting for a long time, and I want to thank him for his leadership on this.”
This measure is not guaranteed to pass. Lawmakers rejected other sports betting legislation and could turn down this substitute measure for included sports betting language. The Atlanta Journal Constitution estimates the bill has a 40% chance of passing in its current state.
Even with that, lawmakers have shown they are interested in a sports betting market. Even with SR 140 failing to pass, legislators voted 30-26 in favor. The majority supported the efforts, but a two-thirds majority is required.
What happens Next With Georgia Sports Betting?
The measure has passed the first committee stage and will need to advance through more committees before it can reach the Senate floor. Lawmakers will have to convince other members to advance this bill to the floor before it can be officially discussed.
With Georgia’s legislative session ending on March 29, the bill does not have that much time to make an impression. Online sports betting could either pass in 2023 or be pushed to next year’s session depending on the next few weeks. This is a crucial time for Georgia sports betting.
