Georgia Fails to Legalize Sports Betting Again – What’s Next?

Lawmakers Miss Another Chance to Approve Sports Betting in Georgia

Georgia’s push for legal sports betting failed once again. Despite late-night negotiations and a strong legislative push, lawmakers ended the 2025 session without voting on two critical bills. The delay means sports betting will remain illegal in the state for at least another year.

Legislative Efforts Collapse Before the Deadline

On March 6, the Georgia General Assembly adjourned without addressing two major sports betting bills. Speaker Jon Burns closed the session without calling them to a vote. Many had hoped this year would bring a breakthrough for legal sports betting, but political divisions blocked progress once again.

Lawmakers had crafted a plan to regulate digital sports betting through the Georgia Lottery Corporation. The proposal aimed to create a competitive market, allowing major sports franchises and independent operators to apply for licenses. Despite strong momentum early in the session, unresolved tax and revenue allocation debates led to inaction.

Georgia Falls Behind as Other States Expand Betting

While Georgia delays, other states continue expanding their gambling industries. Since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, 39 states have legalized sports betting.

Hawaii recently passed a digital-only sports betting bill in the House. Mississippi lawmakers are working to expand retail sports betting to online platforms. Georgia, despite its large population, remains one of the few states with no legal sports betting options.

Had lawmakers approved the bills, Georgia Sports Betting could have become a top-five sports betting market in the U.S. With over 10 million residents, the state has massive potential for revenue generation. However, continued legislative failures keep Georgia on the sidelines.

Key Details of the Failed 2025 Proposal

Two bills aimed to legalize sports betting in Georgia:

• HB 686 (Regulatory Bill) – Proposed a 24% tax rate on digital sports betting revenue, up from the original 20%. The bill would have allowed teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks, and United to hold licenses. It also included seven standalone licenses for independent operators. The Georgia Lottery Corporation would have regulated the industry.
• HR 450 (Constitutional Amendment Bill) – Aimed to place a sports betting referendum on the November 2026 ballot. This would have given Georgia voters the power to decide.

The plan focused only on online sports betting, excluding in-person sportsbooks and other forms of gambling. Lawmakers intended to use the revenue to fund education programs, including the HOPE Scholarship and universal pre-kindergarten.

Despite passing key committee reviews, the bills never reached a final vote. Without approval, sports betting legalization in Georgia must wait until at least 2026.

What’s Next for Sports Betting in Georgia?

Georgia lawmakers remain divided on how to legalize sports betting. Some argue that a constitutional amendment is unnecessary, while others demand clear plans for revenue distribution. Responsible gambling advocates also raise concerns about potential risks.

The failure to pass legislation means Georgia bettors still lack legal options. However, discussions will continue, especially with the 2026 referendum in sight. If approved, voters may finally decide the future of sports betting in the state.

For now, Georgia lags behind as other states expand their gambling markets. While neighboring states move forward, Georgia remains one of the few without legal sports betting.