Georgia senators file bill to legalize sports betting without constitutional amendment

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 4:09 PM
  • Bennett Conlin, SportsHandle

A group of Georgia senators introduced a sports betting bill Tuesday, potentially paving the way for the legalization of sports wagering in the state in 2023.

The bill would not require a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in the state, which could expedite the legalization process since it wouldn’t have to go before voters. It could also lead to pushback from legislators who believe a constitutional amendment is necessary to legalize any form of wagering in Georgia.

The bill, SB 57, sets out to create the “Georgia Sports Betting Commission,” which would regulate sports betting. The bill has yet to be sent to a specific committee, but Georgia’s legislative session lasts through the end of March, and bills shared in 2023 can carry over to 2024.