Sports Betting News

Atlanta Pro Sports Executives Still Trying for Sports Betting

With the massive influx of sports betting hitting the United States, some of the top names in Atlanta sports are trying to make sure that Georgia gets involved. Top executives from the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks were all vocal about bringing America’s new passion to The Peach State, on Thursday, at a luncheon sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club.

On hand were Derek Schiller of the Braves, Rich McKay of the Falcons and Steve Koonin of the Hawks. Each of them noted that sports betting would truly boost the fan-viewing experience. And, more importantly, the number of fans that would watch.

“Somebody who bets on a game is 19 times more likely to watch it,” said Koonin, who is the president and CEO of the Hawks.
Currently, there are 11 states that have legalized sports betting.

In addition, seven other states have approved it but have yet to launch, and 24 states – including Georgia – are still weighing whether or not to jump in the deep end.

State Rep. Craig Gordon, D-Savannah, put together a constitutional amendment that asks Georgia voters to decide if sports betting should be legalized.

Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, is one of the biggest supporters of legalized gambling in the General Assembly. He has put forward a separate “enabling” bill that has different ways in which Georgia could thrive in sports betting. One of those ideas is to allow mobile betting through cell phones and other electronical devices. After all, Georgia does not have any casinos or other types of brick-and-mortar facilities that would serve as homes for bettors to place their wagers.

“The phone is where a lot of consumption is going on in the digital world,” said McKay.

Mobile betting would be an enormous move if Georgia could get that to go through. States like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have been swimming in money, with its customers not even having to leave their couches in order to place a bet.

If Georgia allowed mobile betting, it would be able to pull in customers from neighboring states like Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. Places like New Jersey get about 25 percent of all mobile bets placed from neighboring New York City.

Just as the case is with every state, there are those opposed to sports betting. Lobbyists for religious groups have been vocal in saying that this type of lifestyle could ruin people and the families they’re a part of.

However, as we all know, there’s no doubt that illegal sports betting is already going on within the state’s borders.

“Sports betting is happening today illegally and the state of Georgia is receiving no tax dollars for it,” said Schiller. “It’s really found money that’s not happening today.”

The Peach State would be an interesting scene for sports betting. After all, there are great cities like Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah that all serve as thriving tourist destinations. Those places would become even more booming even people know they can go there to have a great time, and bet on sports while there as well.

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