Georgia Sports Betting Bills Face Further Amendments Ahead of Committee Vote
Date: 2024-03-26 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: SPORTS BETTING
Proposed Amendments Under Debate
Georgia's House Higher Education Committee continued deliberations on key sports betting bills today, without reaching a consensus on vital issues like tax rates and revenue allocation. Scheduled for Wednesday, the vote will determine whether the tax rate within the bill package will escalate from 20% to 25%, alongside eliminating promotional deductions for operators.
Uncertain Outcome Looms
Despite the impending vote, optimism about the passage of the online wagering package through the general assembly is dwindling among local sources. House sponsor Marcus Wiedower pledges to present updated language to committee members, addressing the proposed tax hike and fund distribution alterations.
Race Against Time
With just three legislative days remaining, the pressure is on Georgia's lawmakers to advance the bills through the house and back to the senate or resort to a conference committee. However, the looming adjournment on Thursday adds urgency to the proceedings.
Debate Over Allocation
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the allocation of funds generated by online sports betting. While currently earmarked for educational scholarships, committee members explore alternatives like pre-K programs and school lunches, underscoring the complexity of budgetary decisions.
Responsible Gambling Concerns
Caroline York, representing families affected by gambling addiction, urged the committee to consider the potential consequences of legalizing sports betting, citing her son's struggles in other states. Despite assurances from legislators, concerns persist regarding the lack of specific provisions for responsible gambling initiatives in the bill.
Regulation of Daily Fantasy Sports
Committee members also scrutinize the regulation of daily fantasy sports (DFS), with ongoing discussions about integrating DFS into the broader sports betting framework. However, concrete steps in this direction are yet to materialize, leaving DFS operations in a legal gray area within the state.
