Georgia lawmakers are making another push to bring online sports betting to the state, reviving a plan that would let voters decide its fate. A House committee advanced two measures that, if passed, could put a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot, giving Georgians the power to legalize online sports wagering.
Key Votes Move the Proposal Forward
After years of back-and-forth, the House Higher Education Committee moved the sports betting legislation forward on Wednesday. The package consists of House Bill 686, which lays out the structure for online sports betting, and House Resolution 450, which proposes a constitutional amendment to be decided by voters in 2026.
The timing is critical. With Crossover Day—the deadline for bills to pass at least one chamber—looming on Thursday, the measures now head to the House Rules Committee. This committee will determine whether they make it to the House floor for a full vote.
To pass, the constitutional amendment needs a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. This hurdle has stalled past efforts, as supporters have tried to pass sports betting legislation through a simple majority vote rather than requiring a constitutional amendment.
Where the Money Would Go
Rep. Marcus Wiedower, a Republican from Watkinsville, is leading the effort to legalize online sports betting. His plan keeps the revenue stream simple: all proceeds would be funneled into Georgia’s education lottery fund, which supports HOPE scholarships and pre-K programs.
“We’ve kept this process as transparent as possible,” Wiedower said. “If this passes, the funds will go exactly where people expect them to—education.”
The bill also includes provisions for promoting responsible gambling. A portion of the revenue would be set aside for programs aimed at preventing gambling addiction and educating the public on responsible betting practices.
What the Bill Covers—And What It Doesn’t
The legislation strictly focuses on online sports betting. It does not include provisions for:
- Horse racing
- Casino gambling
- Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks
- Kiosks for betting
For years, proponents have tried to broaden gambling in Georgia, including efforts to bring casinos and horse racing to the state. But this bill keeps it simple, limiting gambling expansion to online sports betting only.
Political Support and Opposition
The effort has bipartisan backing, though it remains a divisive issue. House Minority Whip Sam Park, a Democrat, expressed appreciation for Wiedower’s work and stressed the need for continued collaboration to secure the necessary votes.
“My hope is that we can continue to keep open the lines of communication to ensure that this has the requisite support to pass the House,” Park said.
On the other side, some lawmakers remain opposed to gambling in any form, arguing that it could lead to addiction and financial hardship for vulnerable residents. Religious groups and conservative organizations have also voiced concerns, saying gambling revenue often fails to deliver the economic benefits supporters claim.
How Georgia Compares to Other States
Georgia is one of a shrinking number of states without legalized sports betting. As of 2025, more than 30 states, including neighboring Tennessee and North Carolina, have embraced some form of legal sports wagering. The success of sports betting in those states has added pressure on Georgia lawmakers, with advocates arguing the state is losing out on millions in potential tax revenue.
A look at how sports betting has performed in other states:
| State | Year Legalized | 2024 Revenue (Est.) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 2020 | $500M | 20% |
| North Carolina | 2021 | $300M | 18% |
| Georgia (Proposed) | 2026? | TBD | 20% |
What’s Next?
With the House Rules Committee set to decide on Thursday whether the bills will get a full vote, supporters are pushing to secure enough votes to move forward. If the measures clear the House, they will head to the Senate, where another round of debate awaits.
For now, the future of online sports betting in Georgia remains uncertain. But one thing is clear—lawmakers are giving voters a real chance to have their say on gambling in the Peach State.
