Georgia Senate approves sports betting bill, heads to House for more debate

Thursday morning, the Georgia State Senate passed a bill that would allow sports betting in Georgia. Proceeds would be used to increase funding to the state’s Pre-K programs, according to Senate Bill 386. It passed 35-15. Before final passage, a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November as added to the measure. It was filed by state Senator Clint Dixon, a Republican from Buford. The bill will now head to the Georgia House for further debate. Currently, thirty-eight states allow sports betting. Conversely, Georgia along with  Alabama, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah prohibit sports betting. According to the provisions outlined in the bill, it would have regulations and parameters to protect bettors. According to state Senator Dixon, it would also generate over $100 million in annual revenue based on estimates. Those proceeds would help fund the Hope Scholarship and the Zell Miller Scholarship. Additionally, a bettor cannot place bets with their credit cards as well as place limits on how much they’re willing to wager on games.& The measure would create sixteen licenses. One license would be given to the Georgia Lottery. Eight licenses would be handed to the following professional sports teams...