Georgia’s Sports Betting Legislation: Will 2025 Finally Bring Legalized Wagering?

Georgia is once again at the center of a heated sports betting debate as lawmakers work to push forward legislation that could finally legalize online sports wagering in Georgia. Two bills—HB 686 and HR 450—have been introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives, aiming to establish a regulated sports betting market. However, with the March 6 crossover deadline fast approaching, time is running out to turn this proposal into law.

The Path to Legal Sports Betting in Georgia

On February 28, Georgia lawmakers introduced HB 686 and HR 450, a legislative package designed to legalize and regulate online sports betting. If passed, these measures would allow residents to vote on a constitutional amendment to approve sports betting. However, as of early March, neither bill had been assigned to a committee, raising concerns about whether they will gain enough traction to pass before the deadline.

The proposed legislation outlines a structure for online sportsbooks, with operations licensed under both independent entities and professional sports teams. Unlike some states that allow in-person betting, Georgia’s proposal focuses exclusively on digital platforms. The Georgia Lottery Corporation would serve as the primary regulator, overseeing the licensing process and market enforcement. Additionally, the lottery would be permitted to launch its own online sportsbook, further expanding Georgia’s gaming landscape.

How Georgia’s Approach Differs from Other States

One of the most notable aspects of the proposed legislation is the lack of restrictions on betting operators’ hold percentages or payout limits. In contrast, Tennessee, which legalized sports betting in 2019, imposed strict hold percentage requirements. By allowing operators more flexibility, Georgia is signaling a more open-market approach to sports betting.

However, Georgia’s road to legalization has been anything but smooth. Political divisions have stalled previous attempts, with disagreements primarily centering around how tax revenues from sports betting should be allocated. The state’s history of legislative gridlock raises doubts about whether lawmakers can unite behind this latest push.

Georgia Lags Behind Neighboring States

If Georgia successfully legalizes sports betting, it would become the sixth-largest market in the U.S. The state is currently one of the largest without legal wagering, alongside California and Texas. Meanwhile, neighboring states such as Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee have already embraced online sports betting, leaving Georgia at a competitive disadvantage.

The proposed legislation would allow for 16 sports betting licenses—seven standalone and nine linked to major professional sports teams and venues. Notable entities expected to receive licenses include:

• Atlanta Braves (MLB)
• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Augusta National Golf Club
• The PGA Tour
• Atlanta Motor Speedway

The inclusion of these major sports organizations signals strong industry support for legalization. However, the bills still face an uphill battle to gain final approval before the critical March 6 deadline.

Tax Revenue, Licensing Fees, and Responsible Gambling Measures

HB 686 proposes a 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue, with sportsbooks required to pay a $100,000 application fee and an annual license renewal fee of $1 million. Licenses would be valid for five years, ensuring long-term market stability.

A portion of the tax revenue would be directed toward education programs, including Georgia’s HOPE scholarship and pre-K initiatives. Additionally, 15% of the first $150 million in tax revenue would be allocated to responsible gambling programs, with a focus on player education, addiction prevention, and counseling services.

Georgia’s sports betting framework would also require operators to:

• Implement responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion options.
• Display the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline on all platforms.
• Prohibit marketing that targets minors.

This commitment to responsible gambling is a key selling point for lawmakers seeking consumer protections in the industry.

Potential Challenges for Legalization

While HB 686 and HR 450 have gained traction, major hurdles remain. The bills do not require sportsbooks to use official league data, though professional sports organizations could request it. Additionally, athletes would be banned from betting on events within their own leagues, while amateur and Olympic athletes would be restricted from wagering on any events they participate in.

However, the most significant obstacle is the constitutional amendment requirement. HR 450 proposes placing the sports betting question on the ballot for voter approval in November 2026, with a target launch date of July 31, 2027. If passed, Georgia would be among the last states in the Southeast to legalize sports betting.

Will Georgia Overcome Its Political Stalemate?

With just days left before the March 6 crossover deadline, Georgia lawmakers must act quickly to keep the bills alive. The state has struggled for years to pass sports betting legislation, with previous efforts failing due to political infighting and disputes over revenue allocation.

As the deadline nears, the question remains: Will Georgia finally join the growing list of states with legal sports betting, or will the effort stall once again?

Stay tuned as CasinoDaddy continues to track the latest developments in Georgia’s sports betting debate.