Efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia for 2025 fell short as neither a constitutional amendment nor accompanying legislation came to a vote. Although supported by key stakeholders like the Atlanta sports teams and business groups, legislative attempts have faced repeated challenges since the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling. While Missouri successfully passed a referendum for sports betting, Georgia remains among 10 states yet to legalize it. Future efforts may still arise, with discussions potentially continuing into the 2026 legislative session.
"It came in late and I guess people just weren't there yet," said House Higher Education Committee Chairman Chuck Martin, referring to a bill and constitutional amendment that were introduced only last week.
"We'll keep working with people and trying to do what's in the best interest of the state," Martin said, saying a referendum was still possible in on the November 2026 ballot.
Sports wagering is backed by Atlanta's professional sports teams, business groups and Republican Lt. Gov Burt Jones. But those powerful proponents have struggled to pass a law in the seven legislative sessions since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down a federal law that banned commercial sports betting in most states.
Voters in Missouri narrowly approved sports betting in a 2024 referendum, making it the 39th state to legalize the practice, but like in Georgia, legalization faces high hurdles in the 10 remaining states that bar sports gambling.
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