Teams and state would benefit

During a recent luncheon organized by the Atlanta Press Club, executives of Atlanta’s professional sports teams reaffirmed their support for sports betting legalization in Georgia.

organizations see online and mobile sports betting as a win-win

The organizations see online and mobile sports betting as a win-win for both the teams and the state. The sports teams believe legal sports betting would generate significant funds for the state and safeguard bettors from the black market.

A good idea

Atlanta’s professional sports teams see the sports betting industry as a way to bring popularity to their leagues and generate funds for Georgia.

On the teams support of sports betting, McKay said: “We wanted to show the legislature and the public that we think it’s a good idea. We like the idea because we think it brings (sports betting) out of the dark and unregulated and into the light.”

Moving forward

After the luncheon, Rep. Brett Harrell revealed that a gambling bill is coming this session. Such a measure would allow voters to decide if casinos, horse racing, and sports betting should be legalized in Georgia.

The professional sports franchises of Atlanta feel that sports betting should be considered via a standalone measure. Atlanta Braves president and CEO Derek Schiller said the opportunity is there for the state to avoid being left behind. Schiller feels that lawmakers should utilize the momentum behind sports betting.

allow voters to decide if casinos, horse racing, and sports betting should be legalized in Georgia

Steve Koonin, the CEO and president of the Atlanta Hawks, said that support from the professional leagues shows the organizations are invested. The leagues will ensure bettors have the best data. According to Koonin, the leagues are not the ‘house’ and are not taking any action. They are just trying to keep future fans engaged in the sport.

An alliance has been formed

Atlanta’s four major professional sports teams have been supportive of the sports betting legalization effort in Georgia. The NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, the MLB’s Atlanta Braves, and the MLS’ Atlanta United joined forces to create the Georgia Professional Sports Integrity Alliance.

As we reported in November, the Georgia Professional Sports Integrity Alliance sent a letter to lawmakers seeking the legalization of sports betting. Sports leagues are also calling for proper regulation as sports betting is not going away. They want sports betting legalized to maintain the integrity of their sports in the state of Georgia.