Senator Brandon Beach Talks Georgia Sports Betting

• A resolution to legalize sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia was voted down in the State Senate.
• Senator Brandon Beach emphasized the potential financial benefits and where Georgia could have sports betting in the future.

ATLANTA – A resolution aimed at legalizing sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia failed in the State Senate. On Thursday, the Senate’s Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee voted down Senate Resolution 131, which would have put the future of gaming on the ballot for voters.

Senator Brandon Beach, a key sponsor of the bill, had been optimistic about the proposal’s potential. In an interview with LegalSportsBetting.com before the failed vote, Beach discussed the financial benefits the state could gain from legal sports betting and casinos.

“The state stands to gain significant financial benefits from the potential legalization of casino gaming and sports betting. We are estimating a projected revenue increase for the state of 80-100 million dollars.”

Despite facing opposition from groups like the Southern Baptist Convention and the Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition, Beach believes the measure had broad potential.

Beach emphasized that the licensing process for casinos and sports betting in Georgia would have been open to a wide range of applicants. “Anyone will be able to go through the process of applying for a license,” he explained.

What Cities In Georgia Could Have Sports Betting?

Beach identified four cities in Georgia that would be ideal candidates for casinos.

“Atlanta would be a great fit because of its population. Savannah has the benefit of being on the coast, so we believe it would be a lucrative option. Lastly, the border cities—Augusta and Columbus—are two options that would be highly considered,” he said.

Likely taking in the majority of the projected revenue, sports betting in Atlanta has the benefit of hosting four of the major five sports: the NBA’s Hawks, NFL’s Falcons, MLB’s Braves, and MLS’s United FC. While college sports betting restrictions weren’t discussed, the addition of the Yellow Jackets as well as the Bulldogs in Athens would bring constant betting action from fans.

Having a sportsbook in Augusta would help citizens bet on the Masters in person. Also being an hour from Columbia, it would be a great pull for South Carolina sports betting if they can’t figure out a way to legalize sportsbooks.

On the west side of the state, a sportsbook in Columbus could bring in sizeable revenue. Not only is it in Georgia’s third-largest city, but it’s within an hour of one of Alabama’s biggest too in Montgomery. Add in another 100,000+ Auburn fans and students nearby and Alabama sports betting would help Georgia more than people might anticipate.

While these possibilities are delayed, Beach remains committed to the cause, emphasizing that the push for sports betting in Georgia is far from over.

News tags: Alabama | Atlanta | Brandon Beach | GA SR 131 | Georgia | Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition | South Carolina | Southern Baptist Convention