XLMedia is continuing to sign partnerships ahead of the launch of North Carolina Sports Betting. Two weeks after announcing a strategic partnership with North Carolina news outlet WRAL, the group announced a partnership with the Georgia newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“We are delighted to partner with Atlanta Journal-Constitution, an exceptional and well-established brand in digital publishing and news reporting. This deal allows us to generate new revenue from legal Southern states like Kentucky and North Carolina, while also reaching Georgia’s huge sports fanbase if sports betting becomes legalized. This partnership is in line with our strategic plan to increase our North America footprint and capitalize on the growing US sports betting market.
Although Georgia is not near Kentucky, North Carolina shares a small border. The Cherokee tribal casinos have attracted customers from Atlanta. AJC has a large audience outside of the state, and could be used in states that already allow sports betting.
Georgia may not have enough time to expand gambling if the deal expires in three years.
Georgia is another state that has struggled with legalizing sports betting, casino gambling, or any other form of gambling expansion. Legalizing sports betting is a controversial issue. It’s unclear whether it would require a referendum and a constitutional change, or if it could be accomplished with a simple bill.
In 2023 there was no consensus, so it is possible that in 2024 we will see again different versions of gambling bills, some with a referendum for voters and others without.
