Georgia Sports Betting Bill Faces Major Setback: What’s Next?

Georgia’s aspirations for legalized sports betting have hit a wall, as the Senate Committee of Regulated Industries and Utilities recently voted against a high-profile sports betting bill. This latest move has left many Georgians disheartened about the prospects of placing wagers on their favorite sports within the state.

A Bill Defeated

In a recent committee meeting, SR 131, a proposed resolution aimed at legalizing sports betting and casino gaming in Georgia, was decisively shot down. With a vote count of 8-2, the defeat was comprehensive, and the bill is now officially dead for this legislative session. With the deadline known as “crossover day” approaching—scheduled for March 6—there appears to be little opportunity for revitalizing this initiative.

Senators Carden Summers (R-13), Billy Hickman (R-4), Brandon Beach (R-21), and Lee Anderson (R-24) introduced SR 131, which sought to put the ultimate decision regarding sports betting directly in the hands of Georgia voters during a potential 2026 ballot. This would have allowed citizens to weigh in on this contentious issue, providing an avenue for greater public support and engagement.

Sen. Summers passionately advocated for the legislation during the committee meeting. He emphasized, “The voters of Georgia deserve to have the final say on sports betting,” arguing that local interest in regulating this form of entertainment is strong. Many letters of support were noted from various counties advocating for the opportunity to vote on the matter.

Legislative Landscape

While the bill indicated a progressive step toward modernizing Georgia’s gaming laws, its potential impact was effectively nullified by a committee that displayed a lack of enthusiasm for sports betting. Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R-51) pointedly noted that the House of Representatives showed little interest in approving sports betting, casting doubt on the viability of any similar proposals moving forward in this session.

The proposed legislation included measures for up to eight casino licenses and established a new regulatory body—the Georgia Gaming Commission—to oversee both casino operations and sports betting activities. It also included a tax structure, proposing a 20% tax rate for both sports betting and casino gaming revenues, which would be allocated to the "Georgia Gaming Proceeds Fund." However, despite these provisions, it became clear during the committee discussions that the bill did not garner the necessary backing.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next?

With SR 131 now dead in the water, the future of sports betting in Georgia remains precarious. As legislators scramble to take action before crossover day, the prospect of another bill gaining traction appears slim. The remaining piece of legislation, SB 208, which aims to legalize online sports betting through a simpler bill framework—rather than a constitutional amendment—also stands on shaky ground.

Introduced by Sen. Hickman, SB 208 would permit the Georgia Lottery to regulate online sports betting and establish a tax rate of 25% on adjusted sports betting revenues. This bill outlines a proposal for up to 18 online sports betting licenses, offering opportunities for not only professional sports teams but also iconic events such as the Masters at Augusta National Golf Course.

However, SB 208’s future is uncertain, as it is not currently on the agenda for the next committee meeting. For it to advance, it will need to be included on the agenda and gain approval before the crossover deadline.

In conclusion, Georgia’s pursuit of sports betting legalization suffers as optimism wanes following the rejection of SR 131. As the clock ticks toward crossover day, proponents of sports betting in Georgia are left navigating an increasingly complex legislative environment. While SB 208 offers a glimmer of hope, whether it can overcome past hurdles and succeed remains to be seen. In a state rich with sports culture and passionate fandom, the voices advocating for legalized sports betting continue to echo, urging lawmakers to reconsider and act decisively for the future of gaming in Georgia.