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Bill would pass easier if no constitutional change needed, proponents say
ATLANTA — A supporter of legalized sports betting in Georgia said he may have found a workaround to get this session through.
Casino gambling and horse racing have failed because they would require amendments to the state constitution.
A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority of parliament. Then statewide voters must approve it.
Proponents, however, believe sports betting does not require a constitutional amendment and could become law with a majority vote in the House and Senate and the governor’s signature.
Georgia voters approved the state lottery a generation ago, so backers believe sports betting can be added to the Georgia Lottery to fund the state’s HOPE scholarship and Pre-K programs.
“We need to tax it, regulate it, win the lottery,” said Rep. Ron Stevens (R-Savannah).
He added that this would simplify the matter and facilitate passage through Congress this year.
Gambling is heavily featured in sports program advertisements. Gambling powerhouse Barrys has acquired the name of his cable channel that broadcasts Atlanta Braves games.
Sports betting passed the state Senate last year, but opposition from lobbyists like Mike Griffin dampened the momentum.
“You can’t even watch golf now unless you’re told to gamble,” Mike Griffin of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board said in 2022.
But Stevens said Georgians are betting on sports on international sites anyway.
“Another way to look at it is that we’re sending HOPE and Pre-K money to the Caribbean,” he said.
Stevens said if the sportsbook gets through this session, it’s likely that the lawsuit will challenge it.
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