Expanded gambling in Georgia decision pushed back until 2020

Lawmakers on the panel have spent the last several months hearing why gambling should be expanded from those in the industry, as well as testimony from those who wish to continue the prohibition. Sen. Brandon Beach, a Republican and chairman of the panel, said that they were unable to come to a unanimous decision on which course of action should be taken.

“We just weren’t ready to vote,” Beach told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “So I decided to hold off. We’ve got time. We’re going to talk about it in the next caucus we have – it’ll be a priority.”

Currently, in Georgia, citizens can gamble on the lottery and bingo, but there are no other forms of legal gambling unless it is considered charitable gaming. There are no casinos in the state.

Historically, gambling bills have never gained much traction in the legislature. In 2017, a group of Republicans opposed a plan to build a $2 billion casino in the Peach State. Earlier this year, however, Gov. Brian Kemp asked lawmakers to find ways to increase state revenue and gambling supporters argue that this was the easiest route.

State officials are looking into all three options of legalized gambling – horse racing, sports betting, and casino gaming. Under state law, casinos and horse racing would require a constitutional amendment voted on by constituents. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, lawyers advising the legislators are recommending that sports betting get passed by a constitutional amendment as well.

For that to happen, two-thirds of each chamber would have to be on board with the amendment. Then voters must pass it at the polls. Beach hopes that the panel will reach an agreement by January 13. The House is running a panel of its own on the same subject.