Proponents of legalizing casinos in Georgia believe 2026 might be a breakout year after a history of dead ends. With state lawmakers shouldering growing budgetary burdens, proponents suggest that casino and sports betting might bring relief and jobs to the state.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia faces financial challenges that could increase momentum for legalized gambling.
- North Carolina and Tennessee provide revenue examples fueling optimism among Georgia backers.
- Current proposals only cover sports betting, but casinos remain a focal point of debate.
The debate has intensified in recent weeks, as Georgia weighs eliminating its state income tax, which currently supplies more than half of state revenues. Advocates also point to North Carolina and Tennessee as models for legalizing sports betting.
North Carolina's first year of sports betting brought in $116 million in tax revenue, while Tennessee collected $97.1 million from online-only betting last year. Georgia lobbyists emphasize that casinos would generate far more, with the American Gaming Association reporting nearly $50 billion nationwide in 2024 compared to $13.8 billion from sports betting.
Two bills await consideration in front of the General Assembly this session, both concerning sports betting. A constitutional amendment would put the issue to a referendum in November of next year, while a companion bill outlines licensing and operating protocols.
Neither of this year's senior past House committees, but burgeoning fiscal pressures and energetic interest within the gaming community will likely keep it on the agenda in the coming session.
Georgia lawmakers restart gambling debate with study committee
After years of stalled talks, Georgia lawmakers reopened the gambling discussion with the creation of the House Study Committee on Gaming. The committee, which began meeting in late July, will evaluate options, including sports betting and casinos, through the fall.
At its first meeting, much of the focus shifted toward casinos. Ed Clark, President of EchoPark Speedway, said a destination casino resort could be built near the racetrack, while earlier bills envisioned up to six casinos statewide. Lawmakers also debated where gambling revenue should be directed, with education and healthcare topping the list.
Opposition voices again warned of addiction and crime, but supporters framed gambling as a way to regulate existing activity. Representative Marcus Wiedower, who is sponsoring a constitutional amendment and framework bill, proposed 16 sports betting licenses and a 24% tax rate.
The committee has until Dec. 1 to issue recommendations. If approved, voters would decide the matter in November 2026.
PGA Tour joins push for Georgia sports betting
Momentum for legalized sports betting in Georgia gained another backer as the PGA Tour publicly urged lawmakers to act. Scott Warfield, who heads the PGA Tour's gaming arm, testified to the House Study Committee along with Atlanta professional sports teams that came forward in support of legalization.
Warfield believed that sports wagering increases fan interest among younger audiences, as casual betting raises awareness about tournaments. His opinions were consistent with those of the Atlanta Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and Atlanta United, which have embraced regulated betting.
Both sports betting and casinos remain under consideration as new streams of revenue while discussions about repealing the state's income tax continue. However, resistance remains strong, especially from religious leaders who compared gambling's risks to other addictive behaviors.
The study committee will meet two more times before submitting recommendations to the General Assembly.
