If most Georgians favor sports betting, why isn’t it legal?
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new poll from the University of Georgia shows a majority of Georgians want sports betting legalized.
“There’s a real desire from both people in Georgia and from tourists who are coming to the state to bet on sports,” said Scott Ward with the Sports Betting Alliance.
Lawmakers have made multiple attempts to get it to the voters, leaving many to wonder why it’s still illegal.
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The 64-page fourth edition of “Healthy Georgia: Our State of Public Health” was released this week by Augusta University’s School of Public Health.
“The legislation is going to have to come from the House. We’ve ed it a couple of times and it’s died in the House,” explained Sen. Brandon Beach.
The senator from Alpharetta is one of the sponsors of another attempt to bring sports betting to the peach state, he’s hoping Georgia’s House of Representatives can come together to get this issue on the ballot.
“They send us a bill, we’ll it,” Sen. Beach said.
Meanwhile Representative Ron Stephens from Savannah says he’s ready to do so.
“Folks want to vote on it. And let’s just do it, vote it and move on.”
Proponents of sports betting argue the state is losing money by not legalizing the form of gambling, and say Georgians are still doing it in places where it is legal. While others argue, gambling is a real form of addiction.
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“This is the most addictive form of gambling that’s out there now. It definitely is being targeted toward our younger male adults as well...if you legalize it, you’re going to be pouring gasoline on a dumpster fire that you’ve already got,” said Mike Griffin with Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
Griffin also argues, it’s a slippery slope that could lead to bigger consequences down the line.
Still, with major sporting events heading to the Peach State like the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and more, some say it’s time to act now.
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