SCOTUS Sports Betting Ruling Could Affect Casino Conversation In Georgia
People sit in the sports book at the South Point hotel-casino, Monday, May 14, 2018, in Las Vegas. The Supreme Court on Monday gave its go-ahead for states to allow gambling on sports across the nation, striking down a federal law that barred betting on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states.
John Locher / Associated Press
This week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that lets states legalize and regulate sports betting is likely to impact the discussion about legalizing casino gambling in Georgia.
Legislation to legalize casino gambling in Georgia has stalled for the past several years. It would would require Georgia voters to approve a constitutional amendment.
Gaming advocates say interest in sports betting could breathe new life into the casino conversation in the state.
“What I’d argue is that Georgia has the opportunity to do all of it right the first time and implement a system that would be economically viable for the operators and the state,” Casey Clark, with the American Gaming Association, said.
Clark said casinos and sports betting go together well in a place like Nevada. Prior to the SCOTUS ruling, it was the only place where single-game wagers were legal.
However, he stressed it will be up to each state to figure out how they want to regulate the sports betting industry
Virginia Galloway is ready for that conversation to come to the Gold Dome. She’s with the Faith and Freedom Coalition, and opposes all gambling.
She’s concerned about what could happen if players are able to bet.
“Look we bet this much on this game. I’m not going to make it in to home plate because that might hurt my bet,” Galloway mused a player might say.
Another concern? That sports betting will take attention away from the sport itself.
As the 2019 legislative session rolls around, State Representative Ron Stephens, chair of the House Economic Development & Tourism will be one lawmaker to watch, assuming he’s re-elected this fall.
He’s been a driving force behind the recent push to legalize casino gambling in Georgia.
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