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

Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in Georgia

As of now, sports betting in Georgia remains illegal under both state law and constitutional interpretation. While neighboring states like Tennessee and North Carolina have embraced regulated sports wagering markets, Georgia continues to resist legislative proposals aimed at legalization. Multiple attempts have been made in the state legislature to push sports betting forward—either through standalone bills or as part of broader gambling reforms—but none have successfully passed both chambers.

The Georgia Constitution currently prohibits most forms of gambling except for the state-run lottery, which makes the path to legal sports betting complex. Any attempt to authorize it typically requires a constitutional amendment, which must first pass the legislature with a two-thirds majority and then be approved by voters in a statewide referendum.

Legislative Efforts and Obstacles

There have been several proposals since 2019 to legalize online and retail sports betting. Bills such as SR 135 and SB 142 have generated significant debate, especially among lawmakers seeking new revenue streams without raising taxes. Supporters argue that regulated sports betting would boost education funding, while opponents raise concerns about gambling addiction and moral objections.

Religious groups and conservative lawmakers remain a major obstacle. Even when bipartisan support exists in urban districts, opposition from rural and religious constituencies has kept sports betting legislation from advancing. In some years, political distractions and competing legislative priorities have also delayed or derailed votes.

Tribal and Commercial Casino Considerations

Georgia does not currently have any tribal casinos or commercial casino operators, further complicating the potential infrastructure for legal sports betting. Unlike states where existing casino facilities serve as natural hubs for in-person betting, Georgia would likely need to build an entirely new regulatory framework from scratch.

Some proposals have attempted to introduce a full-scale casino and resort industry as part of broader gambling reforms. However, these efforts face even greater opposition than sports betting alone.

Daily Fantasy Sports and Offshore Platforms

Despite the ban on sports betting, many Georgians engage with sports-related gambling through daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel. These operators function in a legal gray area but have not been explicitly outlawed.

Additionally, some residents turn to offshore sportsbooks that accept players from the U.S. While these platforms are technically illegal and offer no consumer protections, their popularity underscores the demand for legal, regulated sports betting in the state.

Economic and Political Factors

Georgia lawmakers continue to debate the potential financial benefits of sports betting. Advocates argue it could generate tens of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue, which could be funneled into HOPE scholarships, infrastructure, and health programs. The Atlanta professional sports teams—including the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks—have publicly supported legalization, recognizing the potential for increased fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities.

Despite this, the issue remains politically sensitive. With every election cycle, new legislators enter the arena with different priorities, delaying momentum on the sports betting question. Political willpower—not public interest—is the primary bottleneck, as polls suggest most Georgians support legalized sports wagering if it funds public education or infrastructure.

What the Future Holds

While no immediate legalization is expected in 2025, future attempts to pass a constitutional amendment appear inevitable. Demographic shifts, increasing political pressure from professional sports franchises, and growing budgetary needs may eventually tip the scales in favor of legalization.

Georgia may choose to follow a model similar to Tennessee’s mobile-only market, which would allow the state to bypass the need for physical casinos and begin generating revenue through mobile apps. Alternatively, a more comprehensive bill including retail locations and casinos could resurface, though such a move would face far greater resistance.

Until such a time, sports betting enthusiasts in Georgia will need to wait for a legal framework or continue using alternative methods, many of which remain legally and financially risky.

Conclusion

Sports betting in Georgia remains a contentious and unresolved issue. While public opinion and financial incentives favor legalization, entrenched political and cultural opposition continues to stall progress. However, the tide may be slowly turning. As more states legalize and regulate sports betting with measurable success, Georgia will likely face increasing pressure to reconsider its stance in the near future.