SPORTS BETTING

The first of four versions of sports betting legislation floating around the Legislature failed on Thursday, but two more efforts have an opportunity to pass one chamber on Monday.

One version would require a constitutional amendment, which has been the way lawmakers have traditionally pursued expanding gambling in Georgia. A second version relies on a recent memo from a former state Supreme Court chief justice that argued sports betting could avoid the need for a constitutional amendment if the Georgia Lottery manages the program. Amending the state constitution is difficult because it requires the support of two-thirds of each legislative chamber and then a majority of Georgia voters.

In the Senate, lawmakers are scheduled to debate Senate Resolution 140, which would ask voters to amend the state constitution to allow sports betting, and Senate Bill 172, which would create a gaming commission to regulate the form of gambling.

Across the hall, House Bill 380 has not yet been scheduled for a floor vote, but the House has a habit of adding bills to the calendar as they make their way through the day. HB 380 would legalize sports betting without including a provision for a constitutional amendment.

A fourth version did not get a committee hearing.

Supporters have said sports betting could bring anywhere from $30 million to $100 million in revenue to the state each year. Critics — some who oppose gambling because they say it is immoral, addictive and leads to crime — have said such numbers are exaggerated.

ASSOCIATED PRESS