An artistic representation of Georgia's sports betting discussion amid ongoing legislative challenges.
Georgia’s legislative session has concluded without any progress on sports betting legalization, maintaining its status among the eleven states that prohibit it. Despite public support and proposed legislation advocating for multiple licenses and a significant tax rate, a lack of bipartisan backing has stalled the efforts. Advocates remain hopeful for future discussions, especially given the economic potential seen in neighboring states. The ongoing legislative barriers and organized opposition continue to complicate the path forward for legalizing sports wagering in the state.
Atlanta, Georgia – Efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia have once again run aground as the state legislative session for 2025 concluded without any bills reaching a vote in the House of Representatives. This continued prohibition keeps Georgia among the eleven states that still do not permit sports betting, despite ongoing attempts since 2018 to change the law.
The recent push included a pair of bills that aimed to introduce legal sports wagering options, with proposals advocating for up to 16 sports betting licenses and a tax rate of 24% on betting revenues. However, a lack of unified support among Republican lawmakers, along with lukewarm backing from Governor Brian Kemp, contributed to the failure of these initiatives.
Proponents of sports betting legalization, including the Georgia Professional Sports Integrity Alliance—which is endorsed by Atlanta’s major professional sports teams such as the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, and United FC—are hopeful for renewed efforts during the next legislative session set for 2026. Current polling indicates that there is strong public support for legalizing sports wagering, with 63% of Georgia voters in favor, which includes an impressive 72.9% of male voters.
The failure to pass sports betting legislation in Georgia contrasts starkly with neighboring states, where substantial revenue has already been generated from legalized sports wagering. Tennessee, for instance, earned over $5 billion in sports betting in 2024, highlighting the potential economic benefits that Georgia could anticipate if legislation were enacted. The state’s lack of movement on this front is especially striking given its population of around 11.1 million, making it the third-largest state still without legal sports betting.
Opposition to sports betting is vocal and organized, led by groups like the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, which denounces the practice as “legalized fraud.” Concerns from opponents primarily focus on the impact of gambling addiction, particularly among younger individuals. Despite the strong support from the public and local sports organizations, the efforts to legalize sports betting have been met with significant hurdles, including deeply rooted political divisions.
While legal sports betting remains out of reach, Georgians still have access to alternatives such as Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms like PrizePicks and social sportsbooks. Additionally, offshore betting sites offer options for those interested in wagering on sports, but these avenues do not come with the consumer protections that legalized betting would provide. The only current legal sports-related betting option within Georgia is DraftKings’ Pick6, which does not offer traditional sports betting but provides a limited way to engage in sports-related wagering.
The conclusion of the 2025 session means that any attempts to revisit sports betting legislation are halted until 2026. If laws are to be enacted that require constitutional amendments, they will also necessitate voter approval. This extended pause leaves the future of sports betting in Georgia uncertain but open for renewed debate in the coming years, as proponents are likely to leverage public support to push for legislative change.
As the legislative landscape prepares for a potential 2026 reconsideration, the ongoing division among lawmakers and the societal implications of expanded gambling will likely shape the conversation for years to come.
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