A proposed constitutional amendment allowing Georgians to vote on whether to legalize sports betting in the Peach State has cleared a state Senate committee.
The Senate Regulated Industries Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan measure late Tuesday. The legislation would create a gaming commission overseen by the Georgia Lottery Corp. to regulate sports betting. Eighty percent of the tax revenue derived from sports betting would go toward Georgia’s HOPE Scholarships and prekindergarten programs.
Fifteen percent would be dedicated to programs to combat addictive gambling, and 5% would be used to attract and promote sporting events in the state, a provision sought by a coalition of Atlanta pro sports teams.
