State senators push to revive sports betting bill

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State Sen. Bill Cowsert presents Senate Bill 172, which would legalize some forms of sports betting in Georgia.

Credit: Screenshot

A bill aiming to legalize sports betting in Georgia passed the Senate regulated industries committee on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 172  would allow sports betting in the state with the help of a constitutional amendment and set up a governing body for the industry.

Sen. Bill Cowsert, the bill’s sponsor, is hopeful this is the year sports betting passes.

"There seems to be a good, a lot of push for this from some of our constituents," he said. "And I just think it may be time and I certainly wanted us to address the issue this year, list, decide it once and for all, and move on."

Several bills aiming to legalize sports betting or other types of gambling failed during the 2023 session. One of those bills was Senate Resolution 140, SB 172's companion bill calling for a constitutional amendment. 

Lawmakers will need to draft another proposed constitutional amendment, as SB 172 does not legalize sports betting on its own. A constitutional amendment requires a “yes” vote from two-thirds of the Legislature and approval from Georgia voters.

The current Georgia Constitution prohibits gambling. Last session, former State Supreme Court Justice Harold Melton said that some types sports betting may be allowed without a constitutional amendment. But a bill trying to legalize sports betting failed last year. 

Cowsert said that he believes legalizing sports betting through a constitutional amendment will reduce legal troubles around the law if it passes.