Georgia lawmakers failed to pass a measure that proposes a constitutional amendment allowing voters to decide the fate of casino gambling and sports betting.
The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities failed Senate Resolution 131 by a 9-2 vote, ending an opportunity to bring sports betting and casino gambling to Georgia in a single legislative effort. SR 131, backed by Sen. Carden Summers and Billy Hickman, aimed to amend the state constitutionby allowing for a vote to expand gaming in the state to include retail casinos, iGaming and online sports betting.
SR 131 also proposed the establishment of a new gaming commission to regulate expanded gaming in Georgia with a minimum of eight casino gaming licenses available Under SR 131, the new gaming commission could award one operator skin per license.
SR 131 failed to pass in the Senate as members recognized a lack of support in the House.
“I don’t know if I’m willing to fall on the sword again. The House has not done anything, and we have constantly tried to work it out various ways on this, and they’ve never taken it up,” Sen. David Lucas told Senate committee members during a meeting this week.
Lawmakers continued to point out previously failed efforts to bring betting to Georgia.
“If the House isn’t interested, then I don’t see why we would put our people through this again,” said Majority Leader Sen. Steve Gooch to committee members.
Failed attempt in Georgia
SR 131 is the second iteration of a measure that failed to progress in last year’s legislative session. The measure, Senate Resolution 538, was also sponsored by Summers and Hickman. SR 538 also received support from Sen. Brandon Beach and Lee Anderson.
SR 538 sought to offer casino gambling and sports betting with a minimum of five gaming licenses. Under the measure, sports betting and casino revenue was taxed at a 13% rate.
Last year, SR 538 failed to progress in the House, ultimately leading to its demise.
Still hope in Georgia
SR 131 isn’t the only measure that gives Georgians hope for regulated wagering.
Lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 208, a measure that proposes the regulation and taxation of sports betting in the Peach State. The bill, introduced by Hickman, proposes regulation of sports betting by the Georgia Lottery Corporation with up to 18 licenses available. Applications are $100,000 with annual licensing fees at $1.5 million.
Under SB 208, a 25% privilege tax on gross income is imposed on online operators.
The measure also faces an uphill battle to pass in the Georgia legislature with the state’s General Assembly scheduled to adjourn on April 4. Its Crossover Day is March 6.
