Georgia Legislators Rekindle Gambling Legalization Debate

Georgia legislators resumed debate this week over legalizing gambling. A new House Study Committee on Gaming met in Watkinsville. It aims to evaluate sports betting, casinos, and horse racing.

Rep. Marcus Wiedower chairs the bipartisan group. Committee members include chairs of appropriations, regulated industries, tourism, and higher education. They will hold public hearings through fall. They must issue a report and proposed legislation by December 1, 2025. They will then offer recommendations to the General Assembly. 

"We've been talking about this issue since my hair was black," joked Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, now decidedly gray. Stephens made the remark as the newly formed House Study Committee on Gaming launched its first of several hearings set to continue through fall.

Georgia Legislators Debate on Economic Impact of Gambling and Sports Betting  Legalization

At the first hearing, the committee focused on casino gambling state-wide. EchoPark Speedway's president described a destination casino resort near Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lawmakers also discussed online casino regulation. 

Opponents emphasized addiction risks and conservative values. Meanwhile, supporters insisted gambling already occurs in unregulated form. 

Wiedower previously sponsored bills and a constitutional amendment to allow online sportsbooks only. He proposed up to sixteen mobile betting licenses taxed at 24 percent. He also tied funding to HOPE Scholarships and early education. 

If passed, voters likely decide in November 2026. Until then, Georgia remains one of only four U.S. states without casino or sports betting. 

Legalizing online sportsbooks and online casinos could boost tax revenue substantially. Experts estimate gambling expansion could bring over $100 million annually. Casinos alone might generate up to $500 million a year for the state. 

Moreover, legal wagers by real money online casino platforms might funnel revenue to education, health care, and problem-gambling treatment. 

Next Steps and Timeline

The committee will continue formal hearings across Georgia. It will weigh economic benefits, social risks, and regulatory options. It considers both bricks-and-mortar casinos and virtual iGaming. 

There will be at least four public sessions before December 1, 2025. Then lawmakers will draft legislation for 2026. That said, Georgia legislators launched a serious study of gambling legalization. The committee aims to balance economic opportunity with social responsibility.

They will decide whether to allow online sportsbooks, online casinos, or bricks-and-mortar casinos.