As one of the states without legal sports betting, Georgia has remained an untapped market. However, pro-gambling industry parties are working hard to change that, sparing no expense to ensure that betting will come to the state.
Lobbying Groups Hope to Finally Get Betting Legalized
Gambling industry stakeholders have set their sights on Georgia, where all efforts to legalize sports betting so far have failed. However, this could possibly change as major companies are now channeling millions of dollars into the state with the hopes of changing the sports betting status quo.
Reports say that the lobbying efforts since the recently failed Georgia sports betting bill have reached almost $10 million. This money has been funneled into pro-gambling candidates who might finally turn things around and usher in sports betting in the state.
The aforementioned figure effectively turns the gambling industry into one of the most influential outside factors in Georgia.
Pro-gambling lobbying groups in Georgia seem to be funded by Win for America, a super PAC backed by the likes of bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel.
Almost $10M Has Been Spent on Lobbying Efforts
For context, reports say that the American Conservative Fund Action Georgia has raised approximately $7.2 million. The Republican fund has been spending the money on various campaigns, advertising and polling.
Republicans who have benefited from the support include Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, House Speaker Jon Burns, House Appropriations Chair Matt Hatchett, Senator Lanny Thomas, and Senator Steven McNeel.
In the meantime, the Democrat-backed American Future has spent a reported $2.2 million on lobbying efforts related to Democratic lawmakers who are likely to back future gambling legislation.
Democrats who have benefited from the support include Representative Dar’shun Kendrick, Representative Esther Panitch, and Representative Mary Frances Williams.
It should be noted that under Georgia law, candidates and lobbying groups cannot coordinate how the money is spent.