Georgia Lawmakers Believe Expanded Gambling Coming In 2021

Expanded gambling coming to Georgia in 2021 seems like a sure bet as sentiment around the topic is gaining traction among lawmakers.

At the Biennial Institute, a “pre-legislative primer” for lawmakers that took place at the end of last week, the issue was discussed for an hour, according to a report from the Savannah Morning News. Bills surrounding sports betting, parimutuel horse racing and Las Vegas-style casinos have already been pre-filed for the next legislative session, which starts Jan. 11.

“If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen,” Georgia House Rep. Ron Stephens told the daily newspaper. “The people want it; opinion polls and more importantly public hearings show that. It’s time the legislature give Georgians that opportunity.”

There was a public hearing at the start of 2020 where the Atlanta Motor Speedway President proposed building a $1 billion casino resort at the track. There was also sports betting legislation filed in February and a resolution that would bring casinos to the state was filed in March.

The casino resolution, which was vehemently supported by Stephens, a Republican, passed a few committees, but ultimately it died in the general assembly, along with the sports betting bill. The bills likely failed to pick up steam as the pandemic took up most of the lawmakers’ attention, but as vaccinations appear to be available in the not-so-distant future, the issue is picking up steam again.

Any legislation that would allow for more gambling aside from the state lottery would require an amendment to the state constitution. Any amendment would require a ballot initiative to be voted on by the people, making November 2021 the earliest anything could become official.

While the amendment would be voted on statewide, local jurisdictions would have the final say on whether or not they allow specific gambling activity within its borders.

Stephens said that sports betting is most likely to pass during the next session since it is the gambling method with the “path of least resistance.” Sports betting is estimated to bring anywhere between $30 and $100 million in tax revenue to the state, but everyone agrees that horse racing and casino gambling would provide larger numbers to the state coffers.

After Louisiana, South Dakota and Maryland legalized sports betting during the last election, 25 states have legalized the activity. Connecticut looks like the favorite to become the 26th as lawmakers are making echoing sentiments found in Georgia.

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