Local reaction to sports betting bill passing Georgia Senate

(ALBANY, GA) – Online sports betting could soon be a reality in the state of Georgia. We sat down with one Albany State University professor about the risks and benefits it could bring.

“There are some downsides when you legalize betting in the state, some people might think that it’s more acceptable. And then you have the potential of gambling addictions, which can also be problematic,” says ASU Economic Professor, Aaron Johnson when it comes to the pros and cons of legalizing sports betting.

After multiple failed attempts in previous years, HB-93 passed the Georgia State Senate, and if made into law, could mitigate the financial hit brought by COVID-19.

Professor Johnson tells us, “Think about it: 1.5 billion dollars of money already spent on gambling in the state of Georgia, and none of it is being taxed right now. So think about the potential that could have.”

But what do others think?

We asked a few people locally for their thoughts on what legalizing sports betting could bring to the state.

Seifuddin Majeed of Albany tells us, “The extra money will do the county and state good. Because basically it helps funding those services that are underfunded right now.”

“I think it’s okay. I agree with it. I think it does bring in extra revenue, and if it’s your money, it’s you choice. That’s what i think,” says Dougherty County resident, Kenneth Benjamin.

While the bill may have passed the State Senate, it still has a ways to go before any Georgian can place a bet on a sports game, legally .

The sports betting bill is going back to the Georgia House of Representatives, no date on when a vote will take place has been announced.

But it does have it’s challenges.

Both chambers will need to garner a two-thirds vote for passage, and then Governor Kemp’s approval to let Georgians vote on it.