Georgia Senators have once again failed to approve a bill to legalize sports betting in the state.
Senate Resolution 140, sponsored by Sen. Bill Cowsert, proposed an amendment to the Georgia State Constitution that would have allowed voters to have their say on sports betting.
Speaking during a reading of the bill Sen. Cowsert said:
“When you deal with this significant of a policy issue, a cultural issue, it’s only fair to let the people of Georgia decide if they want it or not.”
Sen. Cowsert had previously estimated that legal sports betting in Georgia would generate approximately $50 million per year. However, the constitutional amendment proposed needed to pass by a majority of two thirds. Senators voted 30-26 against the resolution.
Senators then opted not to vote on companion bill SB 172.
Following the vote Cowsert said:
“I think it shows that the Georgia legislature is not ready for sports betting this year. That’s the second bill that’s come up. One had a constitutional amendment. One did not. Neither had adequate votes to pass.”
Last week, the Senate rejected Senate Bill 57, which aimed to legalize sports betting and horse racing without prior constitutional amendments.
House Bill 380, a third proposal seeking to legalize sports betting, was not brought up for voting in the House. The bill, sponsored by Republican State Representative Marcus Wiedower, does not require a constitutional amendment.
Image credit: Bobby Hidy / CC BY-SA 2.0
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.