Georgia Lawmakers Reignite Discussions on Gambling Legalization

Georgia lawmakers have reinitiated discussions surrounding gambling legalization, including sports betting, casino gaming, and horse racing. The discussions are part of a renewed bipartisan effort that would require voter approval in 2026.

A newly formed House Study Committee on Gaming convened for the first time this week to begin exploring possible expansion of gambling after legislative efforts stalled earlier this year. The committee has until December to issue recommendations.

Georgia is currently one of only four states without any legalized commercial gambling. This year marks the seventh consecutive legislative session featuring a sports betting proposal.

A Longtime Debate, Reopened

Despite increasing public interest and lobbying from professional sports franchises, gambling legalization efforts have failed to gain traction due to strong conservative opposition. Even lawmakers on the committee noted the long history of the issue, with Rep. Ron Stephens quipping:

“We’ve been talking about this issue since my hair was black.”

State Rep. Chuck Martin replied: “Since Chairman Stephens is talking about hair, we’ve been talking about this issue since I had some.”

This year’s legislative efforts included House Bill 686, House Resolution 450, and Senate Resolution 131. They all aimed at legalizing online sports betting through a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot.

HB 686, introduced by Rep. Marcus Wiedower, who serves as Chair of the House Study Committee on Gaming, proposed issuing up to 16 mobile sportsbook licenses. They would be taxed at a 24% rate, with the proceeds contributing to HOPE scholarships, pre-K programs, and support for problem gambling.

All bills failed to advance past initial committees, but they can be reconsidered during the next legislative session.

Committee Will Explore All Options

The study committee will gather public feedback and expert testimonies to determine the most viable path forward. This includes a comprehensive gambling package that could combine casinos, horse racing, and online sports betting.

Advocates have long argued the economic benefits of legalizing gambling. Some lawmakers estimate that casinos can generate $500 million in annual revenue for the state. Meanwhile, some estimates suggest that, together with the lottery, sports betting would generate close to $150 million annually.

Proponents of gambling expansion include the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Additionally, Atlanta’s professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Falcons and MLB’s Braves, have long advocated for it.

Opponents, however, cite concerns over gambling addictions and raise moral objections. The Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition has warned lawmakers that gambling expansion could lead to long-term social costs.

Meanwhile, Mike Griffin, lobbyist for the Southern Baptist Convention, testified that gambling could lead to a surge in addiction, crime, bankruptcies, job loss, sex trafficking, and suicides.

What Comes Next

Most gambling expansion proposals in Georgia would require a constitutional amendment. That means it would need a two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers before it reaches voters in a referendum.

In 2024, lawmakers attempted to legalize sports betting by tying it to the lottery. That approach would not require a constitutional amendment, and it would need only a simple majority in the legislature. However, achieving that strategy is even more challenging.

As 2026 is an election year, if the legislature steps up its efforts, Georgia voters could decide the issue during the November election.

However, before the 2026 legislative session begins, the study committee must determine the best approach through public hearings and fact-finding sessions.