March 25, 2024 Group Watch: Gambling Legislation Stalled
Senator Greg Albritton, a longtime proponent of legalizing gambling, says the gambling package he carried in his chamber remains in the House basket, meaning the chamber has not taken action on changes made by the Senate. The House and Senate are sharply divided over the legislation, particularly over how much gambling each chamber is willing to accept. The House version includes a constitutional amendment authorizing gambling and enabling legislation, enforcement and distribution, as well as a state lottery and casino-style gambling and sports betting at seven locations around the state. Lastly, the enabling bill created a state commission to regulate gambling and allows the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The Senate significantly altered the bills, eliminating sports betting and switching horse-race betting for casino gambling. House leaders say it’s up to the House Speaker to take up the Senate version from the House basket.
