Georgia Senate to Debate Sports Betting Legalization

Is Georgia finally ready to legalize sports betting? A new legislative push could bring legal wagering to the state. Lawmakers have introduced Senate Resolution 131 (SR 131), a measure that would allow voters to decide the future of sports betting through a statewide referendum. If passed, Georgia would regulate and tax sports betting, opening the door to new revenue streams and casino expansion. As the debate unfolds, the question remains—will Georgia join the growing list of states embracing legalized sports wagering?

Georgia Senate to Debate Sports Betting Legalization with Proposed Statewide Referendum

Key Points:

1. Senate Resolution 131 Proposes a Statewide Referendum
   • Georgia lawmakers seek to amend the state constitution to legalize sports betting.
   • Voters could decide the issue in a 2026 statewide referendum.
2. Gaming Licenses and Regulatory Framework
   • A Georgia Gaming Commission (GGC) would oversee gambling operations.
   • The bill proposes eight casino licenses, each allowing one sports betting skin.
3. Potential Economic and Legislative Challenges
   • The measure needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers to reach the ballot.
   • A previous effort failed due to disagreements over tax revenue allocation.

Georgia Senate Considers Sports Betting Legalization via Statewide Referendum

Georgia lawmakers are once again pushing to legalize sports betting, with a new resolution aiming to let voters decide the issue. Senate Resolution 131 (SR 131), introduced by Senators Brandon Beach, Billy Hickman, Lee Anderson, and Carden Summers, proposes a statewide referendum in 2026 that would amend the Georgia Constitution to permit regulated gambling.

Under the proposal, a newly established Georgia Gaming Commission (GGC) would oversee casino gaming and sports betting operations. The resolution outlines a framework in which eight casino gaming licenses would be awarded, each with one sports betting skin, ensuring limited but regulated market access. The proposed tax rate stands at 20% on gross gaming revenue, aligning Georgia with other states that have embraced sports betting.

If the measure gains legislative approval, Georgia residents would vote on sports betting legalization during the November 2026 general election. However, for the referendum to reach the ballot, the resolution must first secure a two-thirds majority vote in both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives—a challenging hurdle given past legislative struggles.

Regulatory Challenges and Political Landscape

Georgia lawmakers have attempted to legalize sports betting multiple times, but previous efforts have stalled due to disagreements over tax revenue allocation. Last year, the Georgia House of Representatives failed to vote on a similar bill after legislators could not reach a consensus on how to distribute the tax revenue from online sports betting.

The introduction of SR 131 revives the debate, but opposition remains. Some lawmakers argue that expanded gambling could lead to social issues, while others push for a portion of gaming tax revenue to be allocated toward education, infrastructure, or public welfare programs.

Despite these challenges, public sentiment toward sports betting has shifted. With over 35 states already embracing legalized sports wagering, Georgia risks losing tax revenue to neighboring states like Tennessee and North Carolina, where sports betting is already operational. Supporters of SR 131 emphasize that a regulated market would generate millions in revenue while ensuring consumer protection and responsible gaming measures.

The Future of Georgia Sports Betting

If approved, Georgia could become one of the largest untapped sports betting markets in the U.S. The state’s strong sports culture, anchored by teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, and Georgia Bulldogs, makes it an attractive market for sportsbooks.

Key industry players, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, have shown interest in entering Georgia, should legislation pass. A regulated sports betting industry could generate hundreds of millions in annual betting handle, boosting state tax revenue and creating new economic opportunities.

However, opponents remain vocal, and the measure’s success will depend on whether lawmakers can build bipartisan support. The 2026 referendum timeline also presents a long wait for eager bettors, making it uncertain whether an alternative legislative path could fast-track legalization before then.

The introduction of Senate Resolution 131 marks Georgia’s latest effort to legalize sports betting, but significant political and legislative challenges remain. The proposal’s fate depends on securing enough legislative support to reach the 2026 ballot, where voters would ultimately decide.

With sports betting becoming mainstream across the U.S., Georgia lawmakers must weigh the economic benefits against opposition concerns. If SR 131 passes, Georgia could join the growing number of states benefiting from regulated sports wagering, creating a new revenue stream while expanding entertainment options for its residents. However, without consensus, the state risks losing millions to offshore and neighboring markets.

As the debate continues, the question remains: Will Georgia finally embrace sports betting, or will history repeat itself with another legislative deadlock?