Senator Files Georgia Mobile Sportsbook Bill

A senator filed a Georgia mobile sportsbook bill in the General Assembly last week that will direct the State Lottery to supervise the activity in the state. Also, most of the sports betting proceeds will go to education.

Senator Burt Jones sponsored the bill that will not require the amendment of the state constitution. Instead, it will change the statutes of the state to provide for the lottery game of sports betting.

Jones told gambling news sites that Senate Bill 403 would give Georgia the chance to get additional income from something that’s already taking place within the state. Before becoming a politician, Jones played football at Georgia and used to be the team captain of the squad.

Georgia Mobile Sportsbook Bill

The bill calls for the creation of the Georgia Mobile Sports Wagering Integrity Commission. The panel will have members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House Speaker. Their task is to regulate and supervise sports betting in Georgia.

Jones’ bill is like what Tennessee is trying to make into law. The bill doesn’t include any retail sportsbooks. Also, it doesn’t place any limits on the number of online bookie software licenses rewarded by the state.

Also, there’s no ban in betting on in-state college matches. However, it does prohibit prop bets on student-athletes and college teams. SB 403 will require licensees to use official league data for live bets.

The state will charge an application fee of $50,000. Once approved, there’s an annual license fee of $900,000. Also, Georgia will charge a ten percent tax on the adjusted gross income of licensed mobile sportsbooks.

Based on U.S. Election news reports, 95 percent of the proceeds will fund the Lottery for Education Account. It provides school technology grants and funding for pre-kindergarten programs.

The remaining five percent will go into the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. It will fund programs to treat gambling disorders.