Georgia Lawmakers Push for Sports Betting Legalization Amid Revenue Debate

As sports fans across the U.S. placed bets on the Super Bowl, Georgia remained on the sidelines due to its continued ban on sports betting. Analysts estimate that the state is losing out on millions in potential tax revenue by not legalizing and regulating the industry.

According to cybersecurity firm GeoComply, Georgia could generate around $120 million annually in tax revenue if sports betting were legalized. The firm reported that in the last NFL season alone, over 300,000 online betting s were ed in Georgia, despite the ban. Many Georgia residents have resorted to crossing state lines into Tennessee or using alternative methods to place bets.

With these figures in mind, State Representative Marcus Wiedower has announced plans to introduce legislation that would legalize online sports betting in Georgia. His proposed bill would not permit brick-and-mortar casinos or horse racing kiosks, instead focusing solely on digital platforms. Wiedower has framed the measure as a way to regulate existing betting activity and generate funds for education and gambling addiction treatment programs.

“We’re not doing anything to promote gambling,” Wiedower explained. “We’re merely trying to bring the people that are participating into the legal market, provide guardrails, and regulation for it.”

Senate Proposal Seeks Broader Gambling Expansion

In addition to Wiedower’s sports betting bill, a separate legislative effort aims to legalize both casino gambling and sports betting in Georgia through a constitutional amendment. Senate Resolution 131, introduced by Republican Senators Carden Summers, Billy Hickman, Brandon Beach, and Lee Anderson, proposes the creation of a regulated gaming industry in the state.

Under this resolution, a Georgia Gaming Commission would be established to oversee the industry, with at least eight casino licenses awarded. Online sports betting and casino gaming would be taxed at 20%, with revenue directed into a newly created Georgia Gaming Proceeds Fund. The first $2 billion generated would be distributed among Georgia’s counties, with additional funds earmarked for problem gambling initiatives.

Proponents of the measure argue that legal gambling is already happening in Georgia, just without state regulation and tax benefits. “People are going to bet under the table,” said Warner Robins resident Gary Dordan. “They’re gonna bet anyway, so might as well make money off of it instead of letting it go out of state.”

This is the seventh consecutive year that Georgia lawmakers have attempted to sports betting legislation. Previous bills have stalled due to opposition from conservative groups and lawmakers who argue that expanded gambling would lead to increased addiction and social issues.

Opposition and Potential Challenges

Groups such as the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and Moms Against Gambling continue to resist gambling expansion efforts, citing concerns about rising addiction rates and other social harms.

“What we’re going to see is it will exponentially make things worse,” said Mike Griffin, Public Affairs Representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. “It’s going to increase addiction, and we’ve already seen that addiction rates increase the potential of suicide rates.”

Griffin dismissed the argument that widespread illegal gambling should justify legalization, stating, “The Lord only knows what all is happening in our state that’s illegal. That all doesn’t need to be made legal.”

If Wiedower’s bill es, it would require a constitutional amendment, meaningthe measure would need approval from voters in the November election. Should voters the initiative, legal sports betting would likely take effect in Georgia in 2027.

Similarly, Senate Resolution 131 would need approval from two-thirds of the legislature before heading to a public referendum. The resolution faces a March 6 deadline to clear the Senate and must the full legislature by April 4.

As neighboring states like Tennessee and North Carolina continue to capitalize on legal sports betting, Georgia’s lawmakers remain divided on whether to follow suit. With millions in potential tax revenue at stake, the outcome of these legislative efforts will shape the state’s approach to gambling for years to come.

Source:

Georgia Lawmakers Push for Sports Betting and Casino Legalization, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, February 10, 2025.