GeoComply Report Shows Uptick in Attempts to Place Sports Bets in Georgia

It appears sports bettors in the Peach State are growing restless.

GeoComply has reported that over 42,000 GPS checks came from the state of Georgia on Sunday alone. While sports betting remains illegal in the state, thousands of bettors attempted to place bets anyway. Bettors located in Georgia have tried to place wagers in the past, but Sunday’s number increased by over 100% compared to the previous year.

While the massive spike doesn’t necessarily guarantee any reaction from the legislature, it does show that residents may be growing impatient to legalize the industry.

Over 7,000 Georgia Residents Have Sports Betting Accounts

In addition to sharing the GPS checks, GeoComply also shared that they identified around 7,800 accounts responsible for the failed GPS checks. That is an increase of 129% compared to the previous year, showing that more residents are opening sports betting accounts.

Georgia currently borders three states that offer sports betting: Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Residents in towns bordering those states can easily cross state lines to place wagers. While that is legal, it is costing Georgia tax revenue that is flowing over state lines.

Georgia is just one of 11 states that do not allow any form of sports betting.

Constitutional Amendment Needed for Legalization

Updating the state constitution is the most significant obstacle to legalizing sports betting in Georgia. Lawmakers have stated that a constitutional amendment would be needed to launch the industry. That requires far more to legalize, presenting a daunting uphill battle for sports betting proponents.

All past attempts to create a constitutional amendment for the industry have failed, leading some lawmakers to take a different approach. One of those includes a bill from Senator Clint Dixon, which would treat sports betting as a lottery game. That would eliminate the need for an amendment, making the path to legalization far easier. 

Could Georgia Follow Missouri’s Lead?

While the state’s constitution prevents them from creating a ballot initiative similar to Missouri, the Show-Me State can still provide a roadmap to legalization.

In Missouri, sports betting bills were running into a brick wall in the state legislature. The failed efforts led the state’s pro sports teams to take matters into their own hands, forming a coalition to help finally legalize the industry.

Georgia has many pro sports teams that could wield much influence if united. While they can’t go to the public, the money and show of support could help break through the remaining roadblocks.