Sports Betting in Georgia: Legal Status, History, and Future Outlook
Legal Status of Sports Betting in Georgia
As of now, sports betting remains illegal in the state of Georgia. Unlike some U.S. states that have embraced sports wagering after the Supreme Court’s 2018 repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act), Georgia has maintained a conservative stance. No retail or online sports betting operations are currently allowed to operate legally within the state.
Attempts to legalize sports betting in Georgia have been persistent but unsuccessful. Several legislative efforts have been introduced in recent years, including bills that proposed amending the state constitution or regulating betting through the Georgia Lottery. However, these efforts have repeatedly stalled in the Georgia General Assembly due to opposition from conservative lawmakers and concerns over gambling expansion.
Recent Legislative Developments
In 2021 and 2022, Georgia lawmakers considered various bills aimed at legalizing online and mobile sports betting without the need for a constitutional amendment. These proposals sought to place regulatory authority under the Georgia Lottery Corporation and funnel potential tax revenue toward education or economic development. While some of these bills passed committee stages, they ultimately failed to gain enough support to move forward in either the House or Senate.
The 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions continued this trend. Bills such as SB 57 and SR 140 reignited debate but faced hurdles, particularly from those opposed to any form of gambling expansion. Despite growing support from professional sports franchises like the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves, and public opinion leaning more favorably toward legalization, political resistance remained strong.
Public Support and Economic Potential
Surveys and polls have indicated that a majority of Georgia residents support legalized sports betting. Many proponents argue that the state is missing out on substantial revenue that could be used to fund public education or infrastructure projects. Georgia residents often travel to nearby states like Tennessee or North Carolina to place legal wagers, leading to lost tax revenue and economic leakage.
Estimates suggest that Georgia could generate tens of millions of dollars annually through regulated sports betting. This economic potential, coupled with increasing demand and technological advancements, continues to drive advocacy from industry groups and sports organizations.
The Role of Georgia’s Sports Teams
Major professional teams based in Georgia, including the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta United FC (MLS), and Atlanta Braves (MLB), have vocally supported sports betting legislation. These organizations view legal betting as a way to enhance fan engagement, increase sponsorship opportunities, and grow revenue streams. Their lobbying efforts have been instrumental in framing sports betting as an entertainment and business enhancement tool rather than a purely gambling issue.
Religious and Political Opposition
A major barrier to legalization in Georgia is opposition from religious groups and conservative lawmakers. Many of these groups equate gambling with social harm and moral decline. As a result, they have strongly resisted any attempt to expand gambling beyond the state lottery, which was established in the 1990s.
Additionally, Georgia’s unique requirement for a constitutional amendment to authorize most new forms of gambling adds complexity to the legalization process. Such amendments require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers and approval by voters in a statewide referendum, making the political path more difficult.
Prospects for the Future
Despite repeated failures in the legislature, advocates of sports betting in Georgia remain optimistic. The growing popularity of online sports betting nationwide, coupled with rising pressure from neighboring states, may eventually tip the scale in Georgia’s favor. Legislative efforts are expected to continue in upcoming sessions, and 2026 could be a pivotal year if voter-based initiatives or constitutional amendments gain traction.
In the meantime, Georgia residents interested in sports betting must continue to use out-of-state platforms or offshore sites, which come with legal and consumer protection risks.
Conclusion
Sports betting in Georgia remains a contested and unresolved issue. While momentum is building from economic, commercial, and public support sectors, political resistance has kept legalization efforts at bay. The next few years will be critical in determining whether Georgia joins the growing number of U.S. states offering regulated sports wagering or remains on the sidelines of this multi-billion-dollar industry.
