A Georgia Senate committee reconvened this week to examine whether legal gambling could bring new revenue streams to the state. The House Study Committee discussion centered on casinos, horse racing, and sports betting, all of which are currently prohibited under state law.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia lawmakers reviewed proposals to legalize casinos, horse racing, and sports betting
- Supporters emphasized the potential billions in revenue for state programs
- The issue is expected to re-emerge in 2026 with possible new legislation
Lawmakers noted that Georgia is one of only six states without casinos, and one of ten without legalized sports betting. Proponents included state leaders and professors who argued that expansion could generate billions in revenue and fund programs such as education and healthcare. One former Senator from Kentucky, Damon Thayer, showed particular interest in introducing horse betting to the state.
“I think the population and demography and geography and agricultural background would make this a huge state for horse racing and would be a huge benefit for your economy. The University of Kentucky published last year, and it calculated that the economic impact of the horse industry was actually $6.5 billion a year, with an estimated 16,500 jobs,” Thayer said.
Senators also heard testimony on how surrounding states have benefited financially from regulated gambling. North Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee were cited as examples where gambling or sports betting activity draws players from Georgia. Officials also debated the potential downsides, including addiction concerns and local opposition.
The committee did not hold a vote, but members said they expect legislation to return in 2026 for broader debate.
Trump Jr. criticizes Alabama's betting rules
Crazy. Totally agree on changing it. https://t.co/agcdiQsEq5
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 28, 2025
The Georgia discussion comes as neighboring Alabama faces its own gambling controversies. Donald Trump Jr. recently criticized Alabama's sports betting law, saying that it's "crazy" that state residents can't place wagers on sports.
Alabama nearly approved a gaming measure in 2024 that would have legalized sports betting, but the proposal fell short in the Senate when it did not secure enough support.
A renewed push came in 2025 with another bill aimed at authorizing sports wagering. That effort also collapsed after Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger of Cullman argued the legislation was filed too late in the session.
Although Alabama legal sports betting remains prohibited in the state, residents are still able to participate in daily fantasy sports contests through online platforms, including DraftKings and FanDuel.
PGA Tour expands into gaming oversight
The broader debate around betting regulations in states like Georgia and Alabama also intersects with professional sports. The PGA Tour has joined Atlanta's major professional sports franchises in calling for legalized sports betting in Georgia.
In August, just one day after the Tour Championship wrapped up at East Lake, Scott Warfield, the head of the Tour's gaming division, addressed state legislators to advocate for the approval of wagering. "This is a way to get the core fan engaged longer on our sport. They engage more with our content and follow the tournaments closely," he said.
This position mirrors the stance of teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and Atlanta United, all of which have repeatedly backed the idea of allowing sports betting through mobile applications.
