Georgia sports betting bill will be one of the more competitive markets in the US

Lea Hogg February 3, 2023

SiGMA news

Georgia sports betting bill will be one of the more competitive markets in the US

When it will be introduced, Georgia’s sports betting bill could set up one of the more competitive markets in the USA.

If the new proposed bill goes through, it would accommodate up to 18 operators which would establish one of the largest betting markets in the US. Nine licences have been assigned for sportsbooks to include professional sports teams and leagues in the state. This would include NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLB’s Atlanta Braves. The other nine licences will be allocated for non affiliated sports groups.

Georgia has no legal commercial casinos or sports tracks

Georgia is unlike other states where mobile sportsbooks are required to partner with land based gaming establishments.

FanDuel is a sector leader in Georgia

FanDuel has an office in Georgia and has been one of the leading advocates for mobile sports betting. Other companies that may become significant in Georgia are DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars, Penn Entertainment, Rush Street Interactive and Pointsbet. Other companies such bet365 would find the regulatory structure attractive and may expand to Georgia. These operators already have multiple existing partnerships with sports teams and affiliates in other states.

Legislation would bring the state’s first legal sportsbooks to market

If approved, the first operators of mobile sportsbooks will be able to take bets towards the end of this year. Georgia Lottery would have control over the state’s sportsbooks.

These legislative measure would not likely need any amendment to the state constitution. The bill still requires further consideration before it becomes legal.
The Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee has not yet set a hearing for the proposal. The bill must also pass the entire Senate and then in the House. Then the bill must also be signed into law.

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