Just a day after the Tour Championship wrapped up at East Lake Golf Club, Scott Warfield, head of the PGA Tour’s gaming division, appeared before Georgia legislators to advocate for the legalization of sports betting in the state. Warfield’s appeal marks the latest in a growing chorus of voices from the professional sports community urging Georgia to authorize online sports wagering.
Aligning with the longstanding stance of Atlanta’s major sports franchises — including the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and Atlanta United — the PGA Tour’s participation adds notable weight to a movement that’s been steadily building traction. These organizations argue that sports betting is not just a revenue opportunity but a fan engagement tool that aligns with evolving trends in sports consumption.
“This is a way to get the core fan engaged longer on our sport,”Warfield told lawmakers. “They engage more with our content and follow the tournaments closely.”
Legislative Challenges Persist Despite Renewed Interest
The House Study Committee on Gaming is currently exploring the feasibility of legalizing both sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia. While legislative proposals have consistently failed over the past decade, the state’s renewed consideration comes amid broader discussions about eliminating the state income tax. That potential shift has lawmakers seeking alternative revenue streams, with legal wagering among the candidates.
One compelling example comes from North Carolina, where a recent rollout of regulated sports betting generated over $110 million through licensing fees and taxes. Proponents in Georgia are using such benchmarks to argue for the financial upside of regulation.
Warfield believes gambling could broaden golf’s appeal, particularly among younger audiences. “This attracts a 35- to 44-year-old fan base to come in, have a five-dollar bet on the end of the tournament yesterday and find out what great story lines we have on the PGA Tour,” he added.
Opposition Remains Strong Among Conservative Groups
Despite the growing list of stakeholders in favor of legal sports betting, opposition within Georgia remains formidable. Groups like the Baptist Mission Board have voiced strong concerns about the broader societal implications of gambling expansion.
“But I’m sure you can use that same justification for fentanyl, for prostitution, for recreational marijuana use,” said Mike Griffin, a representative of the Board, expressing deep skepticism during the same committee hearing.
Anti-gambling advocates argue that legalizing sports betting would likely increase problem gambling rates and contribute to negative social outcomes. However, proponents counter that legalization would allow the state to implement consumer protections and direct a portion of revenues toward education and addiction treatment services.
Outlook for Legislation Still Uncertain
The committee is set to meet twice more before delivering its recommendations to the Georgia General Assembly. While no guarantees exist, the involvement of influential sports organizations — now including the PGA Tour — signals a growing urgency for legislative action.
Still, Georgia remains one of the few states yet to allow legal sports gambling since the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door in 2018. As lawmakers weigh the potential economic benefits against moral and social concerns, the question of whether the state will finally greenlight sports betting hangs in the balance.
Source:
“Head of PGA Tour gaming division advocates to state lawmakers to allow gambling in Georgia”, wsbtv.com, August 26, 2025
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