Georgia Senate passes bill to legalize sports betting

ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF) — On Thursday, the Georgia Senate passed a bill that would legalize sports betting in the state. However, it must still pass the House before becoming law.

SB 386 would allow the state of Georgia to regulate and tax sports betting.

“I was proud of the bi-partisan effort in the Senate today,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “We are one step closer to providing tens of millions of dollars to education funding for the next generations of Georgia. I look forward to continued discussions to get this done.”

The bill says it would increase funding to the state’s Pre-K programs.

The senate passed this bill on February 1, 2024.

Read the full current bill here:

“A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 50 of the O.C.G.A., relating to state government, so as to authorize and provide for the regulation and taxation of sports betting in this state; to change certain provisions relating; to increase funding to the state’s Pre-K programs; to provide for the corporation to engage in certain activities related to sports betting; to provide for a short title; to amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the O.C.G.A., relating to gambling, so as to exclude any consideration paid to a sports betting licensee from the definition of “bet”; to amend Title 48 of the O.C.G.A., relating to revenue and taxation, so as to exempt wagers placed as part of sports betting; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.”