Legalized Sports Betting in Georgia Faces Another Setback
In a significant blow to the push for legalized sports betting in Georgia, efforts to move forward with a state constitutional amendment failed in the Georgia legislature on Thursday. Neither the amendment nor the accompanying bill made it to a vote in the House before the legislative deadline. While the measures could still be revived in the final weeks of the session, the likelihood of their passage is now much slimmer. Lawmakers could potentially reconsider the issue during the 2026 session, but for now, Georgia remains one of the states where sports betting remains illegal. The failure to advance the legislation comes despite support from influential groups, including Atlanta’s professional sports teams, business organizations, and Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.
A Long and Winding Road for Sports Betting in Georgia
The push for legalized sports betting in Georgia has been a long and arduous one. Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal law banning commercial sports betting in 2018, supporters in Georgia have been trying to pass legislation for seven consecutive legislative sessions. The latest attempt, which included a constitutional amendment and a detailed bill, was introduced just last week, leaving many lawmakers and supporters scrambling to build momentum. House Higher Education Committee Chairman Chuck Martin, an Alpharetta Republican, acknowledged the late introduction of the measures, stating, “It came in late and I guess people just weren’t there yet.” Despite the setback, Martin remains optimistic, suggesting that a referendum could still be possible on the November 2026 ballot.
Challenges in Other States Highlight the Difficulty of Legalizing Sports Betting
Georgia is not alone in its struggles to legalize sports betting. In the 10 remaining states where sports gambling is still barred, opponents of legalization have managed to create significant hurdles. For instance, in Missouri, voters narrowly approved sports betting in a 2024 referendum, making it the 39th state to legalize the practice. However, the state is still in the process of establishing rules and accepting applications from sportsbooks, with the launch of legal betting delayed until late summer or early fall. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, a proposal to legalize sports betting failed on a 6-6 tie vote in a Senate committee earlier this year, despite claims of broad support from Native American tribes, horse racing tracks, and local sports teams.
California voters rejected sports betting outright in 2022, while in Texas, a proposal passed the House in 2023 but was ultimately rejected by the Senate. Even in states where progress is being made, such as Hawaii, where the state House recently passed a bill to legalize online sports betting, the path to full legalization remains uncertain. These developments highlight the complex and often contentious nature of the debate over sports betting, with opponents raising concerns about addiction and moral issues, while supporters argue for the potential revenue and consumer protections that legalization could bring.
Divided Opinions in Georgia’s Legislature
In Georgia, the lack of Democratic support has been a significant obstacle to passing a constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. While some Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, back the measures, others within the GOP remain opposed, citing concerns that legalizing sports betting could lead to increased addiction, particularly among younger people. House Minority Whip Sam Park, a Lawrenceville Democrat, emphasized his party’s preference for using potential tax revenue from sports betting to fund prekindergarten programs. This was a key component of the constitutional amendment proposed by Martin’s committee.
Supporters Argue for a Referendum and Revenue
Despite the challenges, supporters of legalized sports betting in Georgia argue that voters should have the opportunity to decide the issue for themselves. Many Georgians already engage in illegal sports betting, and legalizing the practice could bring much-needed revenue to the state while providing consumer protections that are currently lacking. State Rep. Marcus Wiedower, a Watkinsville Republican who sponsored the measure, stated, “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.” With 38 states already allowing sports betting in some form, supporters argue that Georgia should join the growing list of states that have embraced this increasingly popular practice.
The Future of Sports Betting in Georgia and Beyond
While the failure to pass the constitutional amendment and accompanying bill in Georgia’s legislature is a significant setback, it is far from the final word on the matter. Lawmakers could still take up the issue in the 2026 session, and Martin has left the door open for a potential referendum in the future. For now, Georgia remains one of the few states where sports betting is still illegal, leaving residents who wish to place bets legally with no choice but to cross state lines or continue engaging in illicit activities. As the debate over sports betting continues, it is clear that the issue will remain a contentious and complex one, with no easy solutions in sight.
