Hope for Legalizing Sports Betting in Georgia by 2024
In 2023, we saw some positive developments when it comes to sports betting legislation, with Kentucky and North Carolina approving mobile sports wagering. Unfortunately, things don't look as promising for 2024.
Out of the mid-sized to large states, Georgia might be our best bet to join the mobile sports betting bandwagon. The reasons are clear. Most tribal operators in California are against the idea of bringing sports betting back to the ballot in 2024. The Texas legislature won't reconvene until January 2025, and the situation with mobile sports betting in Florida remains uncertain, as it's up to the courts to decide. This leaves Georgia as our next best hope.
According to Eilers & Krejeck Gaming (EKG), Georgia's lawmakers and stakeholders are still devoted to the cause, despite five consecutive failures. They predict that there will be an attempt to include casino gambling, horse racing, and sports betting in one bill.
Georgia is home to approximately 3.2% of the US adult population, making it a desirable destination for sportsbook operators.
The Shape of Georgia Sports Betting
Should Georgia's legislators decide to bundle casinos, horse racing, and sports betting together in one bill, this could potentially hinder the passage of sports wagering.
However, EKG believes that a standalone sports betting bill, especially one that names the Lottery as the regulator, would have a better chance of success.
Recent polling data suggests that there is bipartisan support for casino gaming in Georgia, and voters want to have a say in the matter. While the public sentiment on sports betting is mixed, it's clear that Georgians want a say in the issue.
Former Georgia Chief Justice Harold Melton recently expressed his opinion that the issue doesn't need a constitutional amendment, which could make things easier for the passage of sports wagering. Altering state constitutions, like Georgia's, is no easy task, so this is a welcome development.
During the 2022 midterm elections, Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Stacey Abrams, tried to use sports wagering as a way to boost funding for the HOPE scholarship program. Her opponent, Brian Kemp, easily won the election. It's possible that Georgia legislators could push for gaming expansion during the new session that begins on January 8, necessitating standalone bills to gain approval.
"Large, kitchen sink-type proposals are notoriously unstable, as they tend to attract more intense opposition from anti-gambling groups than standalone sports bills and are more likely to collapse internally due to stakeholder disagreements," concludes EKG.
Other States That Could Surprise in 2024
Taking into consideration the situations in California, Florida, and Texas, the "unlikely" trio of Hawaii, Idaho, and Utah, it's easy to see why Georgia is the focus of the 2024 sports betting legislative landscape.
The other states that could possibly catch us off guard are Minnesota and Missouri. Sports betting legislation has usually met quick demises in these states for various reasons.
Oklahoma is another possibility. However, Georgia's neighbors, Alabama and South Carolina, are not likely candidates.
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Source: www.casino.org
