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Bill > SB208

GA SB208

GA SB208
State Government; regulation and taxation of sports betting in this state; authorize and provide

summary

Introduced
02/19/2025
In Committee
02/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/02/2026

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, so as to authorize and provide for the regulation and taxation of sports betting in this state; to provide for additional powers and duties of the Georgia Lottery Corporation; to provide for the corporation to engage in certain activities related to sports betting; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to revise and provide for definitions; to provide for the corporation's powers and duties relative to sports betting; to provide for the procedures, limitations, requirements, and qualifications of the licensing of any person offering, operating, or managing sports betting in this state; to provide for rules and regulations promulgated by the corporation; to provide for a privilege tax; to require certain reports; to regulate wagers and provide requirements for bettors; to provide for bettors to restrict themselves from placing certain wagers; to provide certain resources for individuals with problem gambling or a betting or gambling disorder; to provide for the collection and disposition of fees and fines; to prohibit certain conduct by the corporation, employees of the corporation, licensees, and other persons; to provide for certain penalties; to provide for construction; to amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to gambling, so as to exclude any consideration paid to a sports betting licensee from the definition of "bet"; to provide for the exemption of persons licensed for online sports betting from regulations and restrictions regarding gambling information; to amend Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to revenue and taxation, so as to exempt wagers placed as part of sports betting; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for sports betting in Georgia, authorizing the Georgia Lottery Corporation to regulate and offer online sports betting through a carefully structured licensing system. The bill creates a detailed regulatory regime that allows up to 18 sports betting licenses to be issued to various eligible entities, including professional sports teams, specific sports organizations, and other qualified applicants. Key provisions include strict age restrictions (21 and older), robust identity verification requirements, and extensive measures to prevent problem gambling, such as self-limitation options and mandatory responsible gambling messaging. The legislation imposes a 25% privilege tax on adjusted gross income from sports betting and establishes detailed rules about who can and cannot place bets, with specific prohibitions for athletes, sports officials, and others with potential conflicts of interest. The bill also creates comprehensive oversight mechanisms, including requirements for reporting suspicious betting activity, maintaining data integrity, and conducting investigations into potential violations. Importantly, the bill exempts sports betting from certain existing gambling restrictions and provides a structured approach to introducing sports betting in Georgia, with the first licenses not to be issued before September 2025, ensuring a measured and controlled rollout of this new form of gambling.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Senate Read and Referred (on 02/20/2025)

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