After more than a decade of unsuccessful attempts, efforts to legalize gambling in Georgia are gaining fresh momentum ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Faced with looming financial challenges, supporters believe this year could finally see progress.
Recent federal budget cuts spearheaded by President Trump will reduce billions in aid to states, impacting education, healthcare, and social programs. Meanwhile, Georgia lawmakers are considering eliminating the state income tax, which accounts for over half of the state’s revenue. There is also pressure for a need-based college scholarship program.
On August 25, a lengthy House committee hearing featured testimony from casino and sportsbook executives, signaling growing enthusiasm for legalized gambling.
Sports Betting Bills Under Consideration
Two sports betting bills are before the legislature: House Resolution 450, proposing a 2026 referendum for voters to decide, and House Bill 686, outlining how sports betting would be regulated. Both cleared House committees but haven’t reached the full House or Senate yet.
North Carolina and Tennessee serve as nearby examples. North Carolina legalized sports betting two years ago, generating $116 million in tax revenue in its first year, surpassing forecasts.
Tennessee legalized online sports betting in 2019, with $97.1 million raised last year and projected to grow to $108.7 million this year.
Casinos Generate More Revenue and Jobs
Casinos vastly outpace sports betting in revenue and job creation. The American Gaming Association reported nearly $50 billion from slot machines and table games last year, compared to $13.8 billion from sports betting nationwide.
Josh Swissman of GMA Consulting said land-based casinos generated $16 billion in taxes in 2024. Casinos also provide significantly more jobs, with typical facilities creating about 1,700 jobs, and larger ones up to 10,000. He added, “Casinos serve as a great mechanism to capture consumer spending that might otherwise cross state borders… They also attract out-of-state residents with out-of-state dollars.”
Social Concerns and Industry Counterpoints
Opposition from faith-based groups remains strong. Joseph D’Angelo of Frontline Policy Council warned, “Domestic violence, child neglect, bankruptcy, and crime all increase when gambling expands. For every $1 state governments collect in gambling revenue, taxpayers spend $3 to $5 addressing the societal fallout.”
However, criminology expert Jay Albanese said studies generally find casinos don’t increase local crime.
Jeremy Kudon, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, pointed out that gambling addiction rates in the U.S. hold steady at about 1%, far below alcohol and tobacco addiction rates. He emphasized, “Legal sportsbooks do a far better job of policing wagering than overseas illegal operators… They don’t care whether a customer is 21 or over.”
Political Landscape and Industry Readiness
Supporters say backing gambling is not politically risky. Jason Saine, a former North Carolina state representative, noted, “None of the people who supported sports betting (in North Carolina) lost their primary or general election. It wasn’t even an issue.”
Since any casino or sports betting legalization would require a constitutional amendment, voters would ultimately decide. Kudon said, “This is not something that will cost (legislators) seats. Let’s give Georgians the right to choose.”
Major casino operators like Wynn Resorts and Boyd Gaming have expressed readiness to invest if Georgia lifts its casino ban. Wynn’s Christopher Gordon talked about a potential multibillion-dollar casino, while Boyd’s Ryan Soultz highlighted the state’s appeal.
Source:
“Legalized gambling backers optimistic ahead of 2026 Georgia legislative session”, augustachronicle.com, September 1, 2025
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