It was only a matter of time really. For the past few sessions, gambling in general and sports betting in particular has been either on the table or right at the edge of the table, ready to be plopped down at the right moment.
This year could be the year. For at least part of it. Legislation filed by Senator Burt Jones (R-25 Jackson) would create the Georgia Mobile Sports Wagering Integrity Commission, overseen by the Georgia Lottery that would legalize online sports betting in the state, with most of the money going to the HOPE Scholarship.
Despite the yearly appearances of similar bills, it may be tough to tell which way the General Assembly is leaning this time around. Governor Brian Kemp has previously signaled that he is staunchly opposed to legalizing gambling but that he would not stand in the way of sending the bill to Georgia voters for a referendum if it passed the legislature.
Speaker David Ralston (R-7 Blue Ridge) has also hinted that he would be okay with sending it to voters for a referendum. During a media preview before the beginning of the session, Ralston addressed the gambling issue.
“Do we trust Georgians enough to let them make the decision?” asked Ralston. “We’ve talked about this issue here for years. One of these days, we’re either going to have to say we’re going to quit talking, or we’re going to vote it. Whichever way it comes out, it comes out.”
There are some heavy hitters that are coming out to support the legalization. At an appearance at the Atlanta Press Club earlier this month, leaders from the Atlanta Braves, Falcons and Hawks spoke out in favor of potential legislation. The executives talked about how legalizing it in Georgia will help the state keep up with a wave of other states that have already done so. They see it as a win-win that will help their respective sports and generate new revenue for the state.
Despite the good economy, Georgia’s budget is in a tight spot – pinched by tax cuts last year that were supposed to paid for and then some by the rules of the recent federal tax cuts. The federal tax cuts were supposed to send some more money back to the states but much of that increased revenue did not materialize. Governor Kemp has also called for a budget slimming. Legislators are now looking around for more revenue, such as the bill that would insure state sales tax is paid on online purchases.
Gambling could potentially bring in increased revenue but there is no shortage of critics who warn of the potential downsides.
Mike Griffin is the lobbyist for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and has been fighting the gambling issue since it started popping up a few years ago. Griffin connects it explicitly to potential social costs. “What they don’t tell you is that every dollar raised in revenue costs three dollars in social expense,” he said. “What’s being totally overlooked is that Georgia’s doing well economically. They’ve done it with no gambling.”
The Faith and Freedom Coalition are another likely powerful critic and many Republicans will be getting pulled in different directions from social groups and the pressure from the budget and revenue shortage.
Now that it is on the table, things may heat up quick at the capitol.
