Sen. Blount says online sports betting lacks Senate support, would hurt casino tourism

Sen. David Blount, chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee, said a proposal to legalize online sports betting lacks support in the Senate and could harm the state’s casino tourism industry, he said.

Blount told reporters the casino tourism industry provides thousands of jobs and generates millions in state revenue, and he warned that online betting could undercut that economic base, he said.

He also discussed proposed and recently enacted changes to the Public Employee Retirement System, saying lawmakers continue to weigh reforms to the retirement system, he said.

Blount additionally addressed proposals to increase tax credits for private schools, saying those measures remain under consideration, he said.

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