Georgia Daily Fantasy Sports Legislation Stalls in House

This decision effectively halts the progress of the legislation, spearheaded by Rep. Ron Stephens and co-authored by Reps. Trey Kelley, Yasmin Neal, and Al Williams, for the current session.

A Missed Opportunity for DFS Legalization

The bill, HB 1329, was not put forward by the House Rules Committee for discussion in the House of Representatives, missing the crucial crossover day deadline. This legislative milestone is pivotal as it marks the last day a bill can be approved by its originating chamber and cross over to the other chamber for consideration within the same session.

Despite the setback, the push for DFS legalization in Georgia, a state where more than 250,000 residents engaged in DFS activities last year according to Stephens, might not be entirely off the table for future sessions. Georgia remains a “gray state” for DFS, indicating that while these contests are not explicitly legal, they are not outright banned either.

The Proposed DFS Framework

The legislation sought to establish a formal framework for DFS in Georgia, defining fantasy contests as any online game of skill with an entry fee, involving the creation and management of virtual teams based on real-world athletes. The initiative aimed to bring DFS under the regulatory purview of the Georgia Lottery, proposing a 20% tax on adjusted gross fantasy contest receipts.

Rep. Stephens estimated significant financial benefits from the bill, projecting an initial $8 million from licensing fees and an additional $40 million in annual revenue. These funds were earmarked to support the Georgia Lottery’s funding of HOPE scholarships and pre-kindergarten programs, aligning DFS revenue with educational funding.

Our Comment on the Article

The stalling of the DFS legislation in Georgia represents a significant moment in the state’s ongoing dialogue about the legalization and regulation of online gaming activities. While the bill’s failure to progress reflects the complexities and challenges inherent in changing gaming laws, it also underscores the growing interest and participation in DFS among Georgia’s residents. The conversation surrounding DFS in Georgia is far from over, with potential for renewed efforts in future legislative sessions. As states nationwide continue to navigate the evolving landscape of online gaming and sports betting, Georgia’s approach to DFS remains a topic of keen interest to both lawmakers and gaming enthusiasts alike.