ATLANTA — For many sports fans, the Georgia-Tennessee state line is more than just a border between two states.
Currently in Georgia, any kind of sports betting is illegal. But, as soon as you step into Tennessee, you can take out your phone, open up any kind of mobile sportsbook app and place a bet.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the ban on sports betting in 2018, 39 states have legalized it in some capacity. Now, Georgia could become the 40th.
Last month, new legislation was presented at the Georgia state capitol in Atlanta that would bring legal sports betting to Georgia.
It's already passed through the state Senate, and now, it prepares to move through the House.
Other states like Tennessee are providing a framework for what it might look like in the Peach State.
Jen Ryan represents the Sports Betting Alliance at the State Capitol.
“We think we have a strong piece of legislation that is not introducing any new streams of gambling,” Ryan said. “What it's doing is safeguarding it, putting in rules, regs, ensuring that no one under 21 is doing it and capturing revenue."
Under this year's proposal, the SBA estimates more than $140 million in additional tax revenue could be allocated for Georgia pre-k education every year.
It's revenue Georgia is currently missing out on when bettors like Ethan Fooshee leave the state in hopes of striking it rich.
“Obviously in Georgia, I can't make a lot of outcome bets, so I make as many of those as I can as soon as I leave the state,” Fooshee said. “Luckily you go to Chattanooga, go have a nice dinner or something, go have a good time and then also toss in a couple of sports bets.”
So, how would all this work after all?
Full legalization would allow you to bet on everything from outcome-based bets — like the World Series winner — to prop bets — like taking the over or under on a player's stats.
A "parlay" strings multiple bets together for even bigger payouts.
And yes, only online sports betting would be legal in Georgia.
“If there is an easy, safe, legal option where hopefully the revenue is going to the right place like it would be here, data shows consumers will make the switch,” Ryan said.
When it comes to making the switch, there are options.
The Georgia Lottery would oversee 16 licenses – one portion set aside for sportsbooks like FanDuel, Draft Kings, and Hard Rock Bet – and an additional portion reserved for pro teams to set up their own platforms.
Why so many choices?
“I love to surf the deals on the internet on just about every purchase I make so I treat betting the same way,” Fooshee said. “The people I know go to the ones that are the most legitimate and give them the best odds.”
For Ethan, legal sports betting makes sense, especially because he already uses daily fantasy apps like Prize Picks, which are legal in Georgia.
“It drives me a little crazy honestly,” Fooshee said. “Daily fantasy sports is technically considered a skill, whereas FanDuel is considered more gambling because you're betting on outcomes. But the stock market is also considered a skill, but could easily be paralleled to gambling.”
When it comes to sports, the Peach State is the place to be.
But will the same be true when it comes to sports betting?
“We think it's a win-win for everyone, no pun intended,” Ryan said.
The state Senate's version of the bill includes a provision for a constitutional amendment
If the House passes it, Georgia voters could decide to bring online sports betting to the Peach State in November.
If sports betting is legalized in Georgia, it will look similar to what is happening in Tennessee.
If you're taking a trip to Florida and wish to place a bet, you can — but the rules are a bit different.
Online sports betting in the Sunshine State is only available on the Hard Rock Bet platform.
This is because of a pre-existing relationship with the Seminole tribe, which owns and operates Hard Rock.