Efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia have hit a roadblock once again as state lawmakers failed to advance legislation on the matter. The push for a state constitutional amendment to allow sports betting did not progress in the state legislature, with neither the amendment nor a bill detailing the specifics coming up for a vote in the House.
While neighboring Missouri recently greenlit sports betting through a referendum, Georgia, along with 10 other states, still prohibits the practice. The deadline for each legislative chamber in Georgia to pass relevant bills has passed, dimming the prospects for legalization this year. However, there remains a possibility of reviving the issue during the next session in 2026.
Despite backing from Atlanta’s professional sports teams, business organizations, and Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Georgia has struggled to pass sports betting laws since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban in 2018. In contrast, other states like Minnesota, California, and Texas have faced their own challenges in legalizing sports betting.
Hawaii, on the other hand, has seen progress with the state House approving a bill to legalize online sports betting. In Missouri, preparations are underway for the launch of legal betting, while Georgia continues to grapple with the lack of Democratic support for a constitutional amendment due to concerns about addiction and the allocation of tax revenue.
Supporters of sports betting argue that legalization would not only generate revenue for education but also provide consumer protections currently lacking in the illegal sports betting market. The debate in Georgia reflects broader national discussions on the impact of legalizing sports betting and the potential benefits and risks associated with the practice.