Atlanta

Braves legend Tom Glavine supports fantasy sports in Georgia

ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers are trying to decide if online fantasy sports is gambling or a game of skill.

Atlanta Braves pitching legend Tom Glavine was at the Georgia Capitol Tuesday to show his support for fantasy sports.

A fantasy sports bill aims to clarify what experts call the gray area for those who play.

Currently, playing for cash is neither legal nor illegal.

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The bill would legalize online fantasy sports so that Georgia receives a six percent tax revenue that could raise a million dollars for the state.

Glavine, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, said fantasy sports are not gambling but rather a game of skill.

“I argue it's more of a game of skill, you know.  I think when you play these games, whether its football, baseball, basketball or hockey, even golf now, it's the folks that do their homework that tend to be the most successful at it,” Glavine said.

He says he remembers fans wanting him to play better because he was on their fantasy team.

Opponents like the Faith and Freedom Coalition argue that fantasy sports are a form of gambling, and that they want to end it before it gains momentum.

“I can’t believe the way the legislature sidestepped that issue. They’re going against our state constitution and everybody knows it’s gambling,” Virginia Galloway said.

The bill could possibly come up for a vote in the Senate this week.