Is Sports Betting Allowed in Georgia? A Comprehensive Legal Overview
Current Status of Sports Betting in Georgia
Georgia stands as one of the more restrictive states regarding gambling, particularly when it comes to sports wagering. Even as neighboring regions have embraced both online and in-person sports betting, Georgia’s legal landscape continues to bar betting on sporting events through any retail locations, online sportsbooks, or mobile applications. The state constitution specifically outlaws most forms of gambling, though lottery play and daily fantasy sports (DFS) do exist in a legal gray area.
Despite strong interest and momentum among lawmakers and the public, no legislative proposal has yet pushed legalized sports betting across the finish line. The next possible change won’t occur until the 2025 session of the Georgia General Assembly, where new bills could once again reach the floor. However, the requirement for a constitutional amendment presents a significant challenge. As conversations intensify and public support continues to build, the future does hold promise for legal sports betting in Georgia.
This article explores the history and current legal framework of sports betting in Georgia—including legislative attempts and what could be on the horizon for bettors in the Peach State.
A Timeline of Sports Betting Legislation in Georgia
Georgia has experienced a flurry of legislative activity since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that opened the door for states to regulate sports betting independently. Here’s an overview of the significant milestones and setbacks in Georgia’s journey toward legalization:
- May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns PASPA, granting states the authority to regulate sports betting within their borders.
- February 7, 2020: Representative Ron Stephens introduces HB 378 to allow a public referendum for legal sports betting. The bill fails to reach the required supermajority.
- February 21, 2020: Senator Burt Jones brings SB 403, proposing legalization via the Georgia Lottery with substantial licensing fees and a 10% operator tax. This effort collapses at the committee stage.
- June 20, 2020: HB 903 is amended to include sports betting provisions but does not progress past its second Senate reading.
- January 26, 2021: HB 86 is introduced, focusing on mobile sports wagering through the Lottery, allowing only professional (not collegiate) sports betting. The proposal stalls in the House.
- February 20, 2021: SB 142 (for sports betting) and SR 135 (for placing sports betting on the ballot) make progress in the Senate, but both are left without votes as the legislative session ends.
- March 31, 2022: Efforts to revive SB 142 and SR 135 see both measures pass the Senate again. However, SB 142 fails in the House and SR 135 is stripped of its sports betting components.
- June 14, 2021: FanDuel, a major sports betting brand, invests in Georgia’s tech industry by opening a new campus in Atlanta.
- January 31, 2023: Senators introduce SB 57, aiming for 18 online sportsbook licenses and setting a legislative deadline for July 2, 2025. The bill is voted down significantly.
- February 13-15, 2023: Multiple measures (HB 380, SR 140, SB 172, HR 210) attempt to legalize sports betting (both retail and online), but none manage to gain enough legislative traction to proceed.
- January 10, 2024: SB 172 is brought forward by Senator Bill Cowsert but fails due to lack of necessary House and Senate support.
- January 24, 2024: SB 386 is introduced; unique in that it does not require a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting.
- February 1, 2024: SB 386 successfully navigates the State Senate but is complicated by SR 579, which does require a constitutional amendment and a supermajority. The package aims to license up to 16 sportsbooks under a 20% tax regime.
- March 29, 2024: The House of Representatives fails to pass SB 386 and SR 579, delaying further sports betting considerations to 2025 or beyond.
Legal Barriers and Legislative Roadblocks
Georgia’s prohibition on gambling is rooted in its state constitution, which has required any substantial expansion of gambling—including sports betting—to receive broad legislative support and, potentially, direct voter approval. The main active form of state-sanctioned gambling is the Georgia Lottery, occasionally discussed as a possible regulatory body for future sports wagering.
Numerous legislative efforts since 2018 have focused on both retail and online sportsbooks. While public opinion appears increasingly favorable, the challenge of amending the constitution and aligning diverse stakeholders has forestalled progress. As of now, bettors cannot legally place sports wagers in person, online, or via mobile devices within Georgia’s borders.
The State of Retail Sports Betting in Georgia
Currently, there are no casinos or authorized sportsbooks operating anywhere in Georgia. The absence of brick-and-mortar casinos or racetracks further stymies any push for retail sports betting. No formal racetracks exist for horse racing either—parimutuel betting enthusiasts must head out of state, often to local fairs or to bordering states where betting is allowed.
That said, if Georgia ultimately follows the model set by states like Ohio and the District of Columbia, there may eventually be opportunities for placing wagers at lottery retailers through kiosks—should significant legislative change occur. For now, the nearest in-person retail sportsbook options can be found in places like North Carolina, with casinos operated by major brands such as Caesars.
Prospects for Online Sports Betting in Georgia
The push for online sports betting has gained momentum over multiple legislative sessions in Georgia. Although each bill has ultimately fallen short, proposals have ranged from authorizing a handful of online sportsbooks to allowing as many as 16 under the lottery’s supervision.
For example, the 2024 session saw Senate Bill 386 pass the State Senate in an initial vote before being complicated by a constitutional amendment requirement. Had it succeeded, up to 16 sportsbooks could have entered the market, each subject to a 20% tax.
While DFS operators such as FanDuel and DraftKings provide games to Georgia residents, these are not specifically regulated or recognized under Georgia law. Efforts to clarify or legalize DFS have yet to win the necessary support among lawmakers.
What’s Next for Sports Betting in Georgia?
Although sports betting legislation has consistently run into obstacles, the future may still hold promise for Georgia’s betting enthusiasts. Existing bills have set the stage for another round of debate in the 2025 legislative session, where lawmakers are likely to introduce a new push for legalization.
Should legislation pass, the expectation is that Georgia’s lottery would oversee the market, granting licenses to both national and regional sportsbook operators. The requirement for a constitutional amendment still looms large, complicating the path to approval. However, Georgia’s growing population, strong sports culture, and increased technology investment suggest rapid industry growth once legalization is achieved.
Major sports leagues and franchises call Georgia home, including the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Braves. If approved, the Peach State is poised to attract significant attention from prominent sports betting brands ready to enter the market.
