In a historic move, the House of Representatives in the US state of Georgia convened its inaugural hearing to deliberate on a groundbreaking bill concerning online betting. The proposed legislation seeks to authorize the issuance of 16 licenses for online sports betting, with eight earmarked for professional sports franchises or organizations within Georgia.
Under the provisions outlined in the bill, an additional seven standalone licenses will be made available for acquisition, with one reserved specifically for the Georgia Lottery, which will also be entrusted with regulatory oversight responsibilities.
Eligibility for licensing extends to all major professional sports teams in Georgia, including notable entities such as the Augusta Country Club, the PGA Tour, and the Atlanta Motor Speedway/Nascar.
While the House Higher Education Committee has yet to reach a verdict on the proposed online betting bill, local media sources suggest that a vote may be imminent, potentially occurring later this week. With just over two weeks remaining until the conclusion of the legislative session, anticipation runs high as stakeholders await the outcome of this pivotal legislative initiative.