Georgia lawmakers have again taken up sports betting legislation, with a familiar proposal returning despite limited optimism for progress in 2026. Rep. Matt Hatchett has reintroduced House Bill 910, which would legalise online sports wagering under the Georgia Lottery. The bill repeats language from earlier sessions and is once again assigned to the House Higher Education Committee.
The renewed push follows several years of stalled efforts. Georgia has considered sports betting proposals that either require or avoid a constitutional amendment, but none have advanced to final passage. Hatchett’s bill continues to bypass a voter referendum, a feature that remains a point of disagreement among lawmakers.
Prior Setbacks And Political Climate
HB 910 previously failed to move forward, and broader momentum slowed further after the House Study Committee on Gaming in the State of Georgia issued a nine-page report last year without recommendations. That committee was chaired by Rep. Marcus Wiedower, who resigned in October 2025, leaving the issue without one of its most visible advocates.
Industry observers remain doubtful due to ongoing political divisions. Some lawmakers argue that only a constitutional amendment can authorise sports betting, while Hatchett’s approach relies on statutory authority through the Georgia Lottery.
A Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism offered limited support for the concept. The panel suggested that legalised sports betting could help attract major events that increase visitor spending.
“It was a simple recommendation much like the rest of the list,”Senator Drew Echols, chairman of the committee, said. “The recommendations are just that. Hard to say how many if any of the recommendations will come to fruition.”
Licensing Model Outlined In HB 910
Hatchett’s bill proposes a detailed regulatory structure. HB 910 would allow up to 18 online sportsbooks regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation. Applicants for a Type 1 license would pay a $100,000 nonrefundable fee, followed by a $1.5 million annual licensing cost if approved. The bill sets a 25% tax rate on adjusted gross wagering revenue.
The Georgia Lottery would hold its own license and award seven additional licenses through a public process. Other licenses would go to designated entities, including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, Atlanta United FC, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Augusta National Golf Course, the PGA Tour, and two National Steeplechase Association entities. Remaining licenses would be issued to selected online operators.
Contrast With Amendment-Based Proposals
HB 910 differs from previous efforts that sought voter approval. Senate Resolution 131 proposed a constitutional amendment with a 20% tax rate but failed to gain traction. Wiedower’s House Bill 686 and House Resolution 450 also aimed for a referendum, proposing a 24% tax rate and 16 licenses, but never reached a full House vote.
With Georgia reporting roughly $42.2 billion in visitor spending in 2024, supporters continue to link sports betting to tourism growth. Political hurdles, however, remain firmly in place.
Source:
“Georgia sports betting bill returns despite dim 2026 prospects”, igamingbusiness.com, January 14, 2026
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