Sports Betting in Georgia: Legal Landscape, Trends, and Future Outlook

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Georgia

As of now, sports betting remains illegal in the state of Georgia. Despite numerous legislative efforts in recent years, no bill to legalize sports wagering—either retail or online—has successfully passed both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly. The state constitution currently prohibits most forms of gambling, and any change would require a constitutional amendment approved by voters through a statewide referendum.

Legislative Attempts and Political Climate

Since the 2018 repeal of PASPA by the U.S. Supreme Court, many states have legalized sports betting. In Georgia, however, legislative efforts have faced strong resistance. Some lawmakers have introduced bills proposing online and mobile sports betting regulated by the Georgia Lottery, while others have supported broader gambling expansion that includes casinos and horse racing. Religious and conservative groups, alongside concerns about problem gambling, have contributed to the stalemate.

The 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions saw multiple bills introduced, including Senate Resolution 135 and Senate Bill 142, which would have allowed sports betting through a constitutional amendment. While these bills gained some traction, they ultimately failed to reach final passage.

Georgia Lottery and Fantasy Sports

The Georgia Lottery continues to be the state’s primary source of legal gambling. While traditional sports betting is prohibited, daily fantasy sports (DFS) remain available through operators like DraftKings and FanDuel. However, the legal status of DFS has not been formally clarified in Georgia law, leaving it in a regulatory gray area.

Neighboring States and Regional Competition

Georgia residents often travel to neighboring states where sports betting is legal. Tennessee, for example, offers fully legalized online sports betting with no requirement for in-person registration. North Carolina also recently launched mobile sports betting in 2024, and Florida has implemented limited sports wagering through tribal partnerships.

This growing regional access to sports betting is placing economic pressure on Georgia. Lawmakers have argued that by legalizing and regulating sports betting, the state could generate substantial tax revenue while preventing the outflow of funds to nearby jurisdictions.

Public Opinion and Economic Impact

Polls indicate that a majority of Georgia voters support legal sports betting, especially when tied to funding educational initiatives or infrastructure projects. Legalizing sports betting could create new jobs, increase state revenue, and attract tourism—especially if integrated with potential future casino resorts.

Proponents also emphasize the need for regulatory oversight to ensure consumer protection, responsible gambling programs, and transparency in betting markets. Without regulation, underground betting and offshore sportsbooks continue to operate unchecked.

Future Outlook and 2026 Ballot Potential

There is cautious optimism that Georgia may revisit the issue during upcoming legislative sessions. With mounting pressure from constituents, industry stakeholders, and budgetary needs, lawmakers may be more willing to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2026.

If approved by voters, Georgia could see a sports betting market launch within a year, likely led by the Georgia Lottery or an independent gaming commission. The model would likely favor mobile betting over retail sportsbooks, aligning with trends seen across other U.S. states.

Conclusion

Sports betting in Georgia remains a hot-button issue with passionate voices on both sides. While the state currently prohibits legal sports wagering, political momentum and public opinion suggest that change is possible in the near future. Whether through a constitutional referendum or legislative compromise, Georgia’s path toward legalized sports betting continues to evolve.