Atlanta – Jan. 5, 2023 – Georgia voters overwhelmingly support the legalization of sports betting by a two-to-one margin, according to recent polling conducted on behalf of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta Sports Council. Nearly 52% of voters indicated support for legalizing and regulating sports betting and allocating the tax revenue it generates towards the HOPE educational programs, Georgia College Completion Grants and Pre-K education, while only 24% said they would be opposed.
Voters also indicated they both trust and prefer the Georgia Lottery Corporation to administer any new sports betting program and identified consumer protections and education funding as the top priorities for the Georgia General Assembly to consider when looking at potential legislation.
“Georgians have sent a clear message that they overwhelmingly support safe and secure sports betting—and the funding for education it will generate for the state for years to come,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council. “With more than half of states across the country already passing safe and secure sports betting laws, now is the time for Georgia to take advantage of this additional revenue stream to benefit our students and families. What’s more, it provides an option for our sports fans to keep their dollars in our state. The Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta Sports Council look forward to working with the Georgia General Assembly and Governor Kemp during the upcoming legislative session to build on Georgia’s world-class business climate and continue making significant investments into our state’s future.”
“Georgia and metro Atlanta have seen record economic success thanks to pro-business, pro-job policies that incentivize growth and make our state a top destination for investment,” said Marshall Guest, senior vice president of public policy and public affairs at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Allowing our citizens to participate in safe, accountable sports betting while also strengthening the legacy of investment our state has made in higher education and student achievement will only build on Georgia’s reputation as a great place to live, work and innovate.”
“Georgia voters agree it’s important to legalize sports betting not just for the benefit for education but also to bring it out of a grey area into a place where it’s regulated and made safe for those who choose to participate,” said Cygnal president and pollster Brent Buchanan. “Additionally, voter groups that make Georgia elections competitive are the most supportive of legalizing sports betting.”
Read the full sports betting polling memo conducted by Cygnal HERE.
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About the Metro Atlanta Chamber
The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta’s quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing, and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region. The Chamber is also focused on expanding the region’s innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta’s innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate and promoting Atlanta’s story. For more information, visit www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com
About the Atlanta Sports Council
The Atlanta Sports Council (ASC), a division of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, facilitates the growth and development of sports in metro Atlanta by serving as a recruiter for major regional, national and international sports events. The organization plays an important role in improving the quality of life for residents in the region through sports, working to drive economic growth and visibility and acting as an advocate for area teams and annual sports events. For more information, visit https://www.metroatlantachamber.com/welcome-home/sports/
