Georgia is one of the states that was short in regard to passing any sort of bill during their legislative session. Now, things haven’t gotten any better for those who want mobile sports betting in the Peach State.
What Does the Recent Poll Conducted Entail?
A recent poll conducted by the School of Public and International Affairs Survey Research Center at the University of Georgia found that mobile sports betting may not get as much support as one might expect.
In terms of online sports betting, 45.6 percent support the idea of mobile sports betting. On the other hand, 42.6 percent of the respondents lean towards the opposite. The remaining 11.8 percent stated that they don’t know.
They also conducted a statewide survey in regard to the idea of a casino or retail sports wagering. According to the numbers, 59.7 percent said they would support the cause, 29.1 percent oppose, and 11.3 percent are undecided on the issue.
There is a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points for the sports betting question, so the result could go either way, with the undecideds tilting the decision either way. Survey results can certainly fluctuate over time, but the lawmakers that support mobile sports betting may want to take notes.
Proposition 27 or mobile sports betting, may not come to fruition in California, as a recent poll suggests that mobile sports betting would be bad for the state. In addition, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other high officials have leaned towards supporting Proposition 26.
Sports Betting Will Have to Wait for Next Year
Casino and mobile sports betting will not appear on the upcoming ballot this year. To change the state constitution on gaming issues, a public vote would be required.
A few more states in the SEC are looking to get into sports betting. The biggest mobile sports marketing that surrounds Georgia would be Tennessee, as the state doesn’t offer retail sports wagering.
Lawmakers that support sports believe that the Peach State is losing out on millions in regard to tax revenue. That is not a stretch by any means, as Georgia offers numerous professional franchises and collegiate programs for potential bettors to choose from.
Currently, sports betting is legal in 31 states and Washington, D.C. It is legal but not yet operational in five other states.
Election Results Could Be a Deciding Factor
In the two-party system, there are candidates that support sports betting and those who don’t. Democratic Party challenger Stacey Abrams looks to unseat Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.
Abrams believes that sports betting needs to happen as the revenue can go towards investing in education for our young people. Gov. Kemp has stated that he is against legalized casino gambling, but has taken no position in regard to sports gambling.
According to the latest polls, Kemp still leads Abrams by a wide margin of 51 percent to 40.7 percent. Regardless of the results, lawmakers that vouch for sports betting will have to make their case in the 2023 legislative session.
