Georgia eyes legalised sports betting

Lawmakers in Georgia are to consider a resolution that would amend the state’s laws and legalise in-person sports wagering at licensed gambling facilities.

House Resolution 380 would enable the Georgia General Assembly to establish a framework, under which gaming facilities could apply for a licence to offer sports betting services.

The resolution does not make any reference to either mobile or online sports betting, with punters set to be limited to in-person wagering.

Although the resolution does not include details as to how much licences will cost or the tax rate that licence-holders will face, it does state funds generated from regulated sports betting will be split between various causes, including educational programmes.

However, HR 380 does make clear that the amendment will only apply to sports betting. All other forms of gambling will remain prohibited in the state.

The resolution is now with the House Committee on Regulated Industries for further consideration, following its first and second readings in the House last week.

North Carolina, which shares a border with Georgia, is also seeking to introduce laws that would legalise sports wagering.

Last week, Senator Jim Davies introduced bill S 154, which would allow tribal gambling facilities to offer sports wagering, in addition to gaming machines, live table games, raffles and video games that are currently permitted.

Should the bill come into law, consumers in North Carolina would be able to place legal bets on professional and collegiate sports events. However, punters would seemingly be limited to gambling on-site at the tribal facilities, as the bill does not make reference to mobile or online wagering.

Image: Michael Rivera