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Bill > HB686

GA HB686

GA HB686
Georgia Sports Betting Act; enact

summary

Introduced
02/28/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

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 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 establish the Georgia Sports Betting Proceeds Trust Fund; to require certain reports; to regulate wagers and provide requirements for bettors; to provide for violations; to provide for penalties and fines; to provide for bettors to restrict themselves from placing certain wagers; to provide certain resources and safeguards for individuals with problem gambling or a betting or gambling disorder; to provide for the use of official league data; to prohibit certain conduct by the corporation, employees of the corporation, licensees, and other persons; to provide for certain penalties; to provide for the collection and disposition of fees and fines; 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 from the definition of "bet" any H. B. 686 (SUB) consideration paid to a sports betting licensee; to provide for the exemption of persons lawfully engaged in 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 a contingent effective date and automatic repeal; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for sports betting in Georgia, to be overseen by the Georgia Lottery Corporation. The bill creates a system for licensing up to 16 Type 1 sports betting licensees, including professional sports teams and other eligible entities, who can offer online sports betting through approved platforms. Key provisions include a 24% privilege tax on adjusted gross income from sports betting, with proceeds directed to a dedicated trust fund, and extensive regulations to ensure consumer protection, prevent problem gambling, and maintain the integrity of sports betting. The bill requires licensees to implement robust age verification, geofencing, and responsible gambling features, such as self-exclusion options and limits on betting activity. It prohibits betting by certain individuals with potential conflicts of interest, such as athletes, sports officials, and those with access to non-public information. The legislation also establishes stringent reporting requirements, investigative powers for the Lottery Corporation, and penalties for violations. The bill is contingent on a constitutional amendment and is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, with the goal of providing entertainment, generating revenue, and protecting consumers while maintaining the integrity of sports betting in Georgia.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

House Withdrawn, Recommitted (on 04/04/2025)

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