A Senate study committee examining Georgia’s tourism strategy has recommended legalizing mobile sports betting in its final report, released Monday. The Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism added the proposal at the last minute. Chairman Drew Echols, R-Gainesville, said in an email, “It was a simple recommendation much like the rest of the list. The recommendations are just that. Hard to say how many if any of the recommendations will come to fruition.”
During the committee’s last session, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce government affairs coordinator Nick Fernandez highlighted North Carolina’s approach of using 30% of sports betting revenue to attract major events. When asked about Georgia, Fernandez said, “The Senate has moved some legislation over to the House. We’ll see if that’s taken up next year and where that issue lies. We certainly see sports betting as a potential revenue source for major sporting events.”
The recommendation complements other proposals aimed at enhancing Georgia’s tourism infrastructure, including reforms to clarify the collection of tourism taxes and shift more of the fiscal burden to visitors. The report noted that the state should make investments comparable to those in neighboring Florida, which currently outspends Georgia on tourism initiatives.
Past Legislative Efforts
Georgia has repeatedly explored online sports betting with limited success. Earlier this year, Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, introduced bills to place sports wagering on the November 2026 ballot, setting licensing and tax terms under the Georgia Lottery Corporation. The proposals would have allowed up to 16 licenses statewide but stalled on the House floor. Wiedower resigned in October, marking his final opportunity to advance sports betting legislation.
Sen. Billy Hickman also proposed Senate Resolution 131, which combined online sports betting with retail and online casino options. The measure failed after a 9-2 vote in the Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities, illustrating continued legislative resistance.
Opposition voices have stressed the social impact of gaming. Mike Griffin, public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, told the committee, “It’s intellectually dishonest to talk about the benefits of gambling without talking about the detriments.” Concerns include potential gambling addiction and its effects on communities.
Economic Opportunities and Industry Insights
Supporters argue that sports betting revenue could fund major events and cultural attractions, boosting visitor spending. Governor Brian Kemp reported that more than 174 million tourists visited Georgia in 2024, spending about $45.2 billion. Committee members emphasized that while the state excels as a destination, innovation in funding and marketing remains essential. Echols said, “While we’ve been in a great spot, the number one place to do business, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to keep working, keep pushing forward, get out of the box in our thinking about how we fund projects, how we market tourism and things like that.”
Executives from the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, and Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment also shared insights, showing how other states use gaming revenue to secure major events, suggesting Georgia could benefit similarly.
The Senate committee’s recommendation signals a renewed focus on mobile sports betting, with legislators expected torevisit the issue in 2026.
Source:
“Tourism committee recommends legalized mobile sports betting”, thecentersquare.com. December 1, 2025
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