Inability to Legalize Sports Betting Continues in Georgia
In a recurring narrative in Georgia, lawmakers have once again fallen short in moving forward with a bill that could pave the way for the legalization of sports betting for the seventh year in a row.
Despite efforts to present a constitutional amendment to voters, all attempts failed as both the revised legislative motion and the essential framework bill did not advance to a vote in the state House before the recent deadline.
This development disappointed the proponents of the motion, including major support from Atlanta’s professional sports teams and prominent business groups. However, strong opposition within the state legislature hindered the proposition’s progress.
Georgia vs. Other States in Legalization Efforts
Georgia’s reluctance to consider legalization stands in stark contrast to states like Missouri and Michigan, which are already benefiting from the substantial tax revenues generated by sports betting and iGaming.
Concerns raised by opponents of legalization, supported by recent data, suggest that legalizing sports betting could potentially lead to an increase in gambling addiction rates, especially among younger individuals in the state.
Similar to Texas and Minnesota, Georgia faces political resistance that impedes any advancement in the legalization of sports betting.
Challenges in Regulation and Tax Allocation
One possible reason for Georgia’s ongoing struggle in this matter is the lack of consensus on how to regulate the industry effectively. There is a divide among policymakers regarding the allocation of resulting tax revenues, with advocates advocating for funding important educational programs like pre-kindergarten and HOPE scholarships.
Republican State Rep. Marcus Wiedower, a strong supporter of the cause, emphasized the potential benefits of legalization, stating: “I believe strongly – and Georgians by wide margins agree with me – that this change will not only bring in much-needed revenue to educate our youngest learners but also provide consumer protections that don’t exist in today’s black market.”
Looking Ahead
Unfortunately, Georgia will have to wait until the next legislative session in 2026 for any progress on the issue of legalizing sports betting. Nonetheless, campaigners remain optimistic that a referendum on the topic could still make it to the 2026 ballot, offering voters the opportunity to approve the expansion of sports betting in the state.
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