March Madness is coming to Atlanta, but Georgia sports fans will once again be stuck on the sidelines — not of the games, but of the betting action.
A State Packed with Sports, But No Bets Allowed
Atlanta is no stranger to major sporting events. This year, the city is hosting a chunk of March Madness games, including Sweet 16 and Elite 8 matchups. In the coming years, the city will also welcome the FIFA World Cup and the NFL’s Super Bowl. Yet, despite the steady stream of top-tier games, fans in Georgia can’t legally place an online bet.
For the fifth year running, a push to legalize sports betting in the state has stalled. House Bill 450 — the latest attempt — collapsed almost as quickly as it was introduced. Even if it had made it through, the law wouldn’t have taken effect in time for this year’s NCAA tournament. Still, many fans are getting fed up with the state’s reluctance to move forward.
Frustration Grows Among Fans
For Atlanta resident Otis Stansberry, the situation is baffling. A die-hard sports fan who recently moved from Nevada — a sports gambling hotspot — he misses the excitement that betting added to his experience.
“It was really fun to bet and have a good time with some of the guys,” Stansberry said. “That’s the only thing that’s missing here in Atlanta. So they definitely need to legalize gambling.”
He’s not alone. With Atlanta hosting such high-profile events, many locals are wondering why they can’t participate the same way fans in other states do. The city’s sports culture is booming, but without the option to place a wager, some feel like they’re missing a key part of the experience.
A Battle of Morality and Money
Lawmakers in support of legal sports betting have argued that it could provide a significant financial boost to the state. Plans have been floated to allocate revenue toward pre-K education programs and resources for gambling addiction. But opposition remains fierce.
“There’s no way you can sanctify moral manure, and that’s what gambling is,” said Mike Griffin with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, speaking at the Capitol when HB 450 was introduced. “Do we want to make money the ultimate standard for what we do and not do here in the legislature?”
Opponents argue that gambling — especially online sports betting — preys on vulnerable people. They worry that easy access through smartphones and apps will lead to addiction, debt, and other social problems.
Tom Smith, an economics professor at Emory University, acknowledges the potential risks.
“It has the potential to have negative impacts on the most vulnerable people in a community,” he said. “Do you want to put that temptation in front of these people and say yeah, you can engage in sports betting? I think that’s where some of the moral outrage comes in.”
The National Picture: Georgia Lags Behind
Georgia isn’t the only state to resist legal sports betting — but it’s part of a shrinking minority. Thirty-eight states, plus Washington D.C., have legalized online sports betting. Some states have embraced it fully, reaping billions in revenue, while others have placed tighter restrictions on what can be wagered and how.
Here’s a quick look at where things stand nationwide:
| State Count | Status |
|---|---|
| 38 states + D.C. | Legalized sports betting |
| 12 states | No legalization |
It’s not just about the money, either. Fans argue that legal betting also improves the entertainment value of sports. Whether it’s a casual bet with friends or a more serious wager, the added stake can make a game feel more thrilling.
What’s Next for Georgia Sports Betting?
The failure of HB 450 doesn’t mean the fight is over — but it does mean Georgia fans won’t see legal betting anytime soon. Supporters will likely regroup and try again next legislative session, though success is far from guaranteed.
For now, fans can still fill out their brackets and cheer on their teams — they just can’t put money on the line. And with other states cashing in on the betting boom, many Georgians are left wondering how long their state can afford to stay on the bench.
