Georgia Lawmakers Begin New Review of Sports Betting and Gambling

Lawmakers in Georgia are once again weighing the future of sports betting and other forms of gambling in the state. But instead of a quick vote, they’re digging into the issue with a series of public meetings over the next few months.

Good to know

• The House Study Committee on Gaming will hold at least four public hearings statewide.
• Any legalization of gambling would likely require a voter-approved ballot measure.
• A final report with recommendations is due by December 1.

The House Study Committee on Gaming in the State of Georgia held its first meeting Monday at the Oconee County Administrative Building in Watkinsville. Chaired by Republican Rep. Marcus Wiedower, the seven-member panel will review the potential impact of legalizing sports betting, horse racing, and casino-style gaming.

Wiedower said he believes online sports betting is already happening in Georgia and should be regulated. “I have always maintained that in my efforts it is not to expand or encourage but to regulate and put guardrails on things that are already happening in this state prevalently,” he explained.

A Long Road Ahead

Legalization faces stiff resistance from socially conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups. Most insiders agree that the only viable path would be a ballot measure, which would mean pushing the decision to voters no earlier than 2026.

“Legislators don’t legalize gambling,” Rep. Alan Powell said during the meeting. “The people of Georgia legalize gambling.”

Wiedower, who sponsored pro-sports betting legislation that failed earlier this year, acknowledged the uphill battle but emphasized the committee’s role in presenting the facts. He said:

“Obviously, gaming of various types has been a topic of late, and for quite some time. Some people up here, maybe with a little more age than me, have looked into this for quite some years. Of late, I have picked up my opinion of online sports betting, which we’ll get into throughout this committee as well. But really, this committee is put together just to kind of look at all of it … the pros and cons, the impacts it may have for the state of Georgia.”

What the Committee Will Do

The resolution creating the committee requires at least four public hearings at different locations, followed by at least one final meeting to finalize recommendations. Online casino gambling, or iGaming, is not on the agenda, but sports betting, horse racing, and casino operations are.

By December 1, the committee must issue a report with findings and potential legislation. Those recommendations could be key in determining whether Georgia moves forward with legalized sports betting or other gaming options in the future.

For now, the meetings will be a chance for both supporters and opponents to make their case, with plenty of debate still expected before lawmakers or voters get the final say.