Four of Atlanta’s major professional sports franchises are putting their weight behind an effort to allow betting on games.
Presidents of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta United have formed the Georgia Professional Sports Integrity Alliance and sent a letter to state lawmakers asking them to legalize online and mobile sports betting.
“Georgia is the 12th largest state for illegal wagering,” the franchise presidents wrote. “It is not going away. That is why we must ensure the industry is above-board and transparent.”
Billy Linville, a lobbyist who is representing the sports team coalition, said this is the first time the franchises have agreed on a policy issue.