Georgia Considers Sports Betting & Casino Gambling

Georgia is one of the few states that has not passed sports betting legislation, nor does it have commercial casinos; however, that could be changing—just don’t hold your breath.

Efforts to modernize Georgia’s gambling laws have been mounting for years, but meaningful reforms continue to move slowly through the legislative process as lawmakers weigh public opinion, fiscal policy, and social concerns.

Committee Studies Gaming Bills

Representative Marcus Wiedower sponsored HB 686, which would allow up to 16 mobile sports betting licenses with a tax of 24% on adjusted gross revenues. Meanwhile, lawmakers proposed House Resolution 450, which would have sent the question of sports betting to the voters. Industry supporters argue that Georgia’s growing population and regional sports culture make it ripe for a regulated sports betting market, which would parallel trends seen across much of the U.S.

However, neither bill was passed, as they arrived on March 6th, relatively late in the session, to garner support. Yet, the House Study Committee on Gaming in the State of Georgia convened its inaugural meeting, and casino gambling was the primary source of discussion. Legislators and stakeholders used the meeting to air the pros and cons of expanded gaming, relying on data from nearby states where similar policies have succeeded.

House Higher Education Committee Chairman Chuck Martin agreed that the bills were proposed late, stating, “It came in late, and I guess people just weren’t there yet.” The timing challenge reflects the ongoing debate and some hesitation among lawmakers who are weighing the economic benefits against the perceived risks.

Nevertheless, sports betting will also be discussed and considered in subsequent meetings. The committee has until December 1st to analyze the impacts of gaming in Georgia and make appropriate recommendations. The extended timeline ensures legislators will carefully study all aspects—including regulation, economic impact, and public safety—before making final recommendations in advance of the next session.

But Wiedower contends that sports betting is already being conducted with offshore shops or local bookmakers, and the state is missing out on badly needed tax dollars while the customer is getting none of the protections. Georgians continue to place bets online or through underground networks, with no consumer protection or benefit to state coffers.

“My effort is not to expand or encourage but to regulate and put guardrails around things already happening in this state,” said Representative Wiedower.

Wiedower also said in a statement that “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.”

A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce showed that 63% of those polled in Georgia support sports betting, and 78% of those surveyed said they believe the voters, and not the legislature, should decide whether to approve sports betting. Such data points suggest broad-based support for regulated wagering, with many residents wanting a direct say at the ballot box.

Casino Gambling Discussed

Georgia is one of the few states without commercial or tribal casinos, but at the very least, legislators are discussing the possibility. Ed Clark, president of EchoPark Speedway, previously known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, is enthusiastic about building a destination casino resort at the raceway.

The project would create approximately 3000 construction jobs and 2500-3000 permanent jobs at the facility. The economic activity generated by such a project could have far-reaching effects beyond just the casino floor.

“This is an opportunity for them to work closer to home and make a comparable salary,” he said.

Clark also believes the decision to approve casino gambling should be left to the voters in the state.

“I don’t think the legislature should be legislating morality,” Clark said. “I think the citizens of Georgia need to decide.” The idea of putting the issue directly to voters resonates with many advocates of expanded gambling, who believe transparency and democratic input are essential.

However, not everyone is enthusiastic about casino gambling and sports betting, citing societal costs in the form of addictive gambling behavior.

Mike Griffin, public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, stated, “When gambling increases, crime goes up, bankruptcies go up, addiction goes up. Jobs go down, savings go down, and spending on necessities goes down.”

Opposition groups continue to voice concerns about addiction and other potential negative outcomes, highlighting the continuing tension between economic development and social considerations.

Those who have been pining for gambling in the Peach State have to be encouraged by the conversation, but approved legislation could still be a few years away. For now, Georgia remains in a holding pattern, but the growing debate means the landscape could shift sooner rather than later.