Georgia lawmakers have returned to a familiar debate as a long-running proposal to legalize sports betting has re-emerged for consideration during the current legislative cycle. Although expectations for passage remain low, supporters argue the measure deserves renewed discussion, particularly as other states continue to expand regulated wagering.
Representative Matt Hatchett has once again filed House Bill 910, a proposal that has appeared in multiple past sessions of the Georgia General Assembly. First introduced in April 2025, the bill failed to gain traction and was carried over into 2026 under the state’s two-year legislative process. The measure now sits in the House Higher Education Committee, where similar legislation stalled last year without reaching a vote.
Political uncertainty continues to cloud the proposal’s prospects. Industry observers have expressed skepticism that Georgia will move forward this year, citing unresolved disagreements over how sports betting should be authorized. Adding to the uncertainty, the House Study Committee on Gaming in the State of Georgia delivered a nine-page report last year that stopped short of offering any recommendations. The committee’s chair at the time, Representative Marcus Wiedower, stepped down from the legislature in October 2025.
Framework outlined under House Bill 910
House Bill 910 would place online sports betting under the oversight of the Georgia Lottery Corporation. The legislation allows the lottery to issue up to 18 licenses, known as Type 1 licenses, to operators approved to offer wagering in the state. License holders would face a $100,000 nonrefundable application fee and, if approved, an annual licensing cost of $1.5 million.
The bill also establishes a 25% tax on adjusted gross wagering revenue. The Georgia Lottery itself would receive a license and could distribute seven additional licenses through a public selection process. Remaining licenses would be tied to specific entities, including professional sports teams and major sports organizations.
Eligible license holders listed in the proposal include the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, Atlanta United FC, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Augusta National Golf Course, the PGA Tour, and two entities affiliated with the National Steeplechase Association. Licenses not connected to those organizations could be awarded to online sportsbook operators chosen by the lottery.
No referendum requirement sets bill apart
Unlike several earlier efforts, Hatchett’s proposal does not call for a constitutional amendment or a statewide vote. Some lawmakers maintain that voter approval is required to legalize sports betting, while others argue that placing wagering under the lottery’s authority avoids that step.
Previous measures took a different route. Senate Resolution 131, introduced by a group of Republican senators last February, sought to amend the state constitution to allow casinos, online gaming, and sports betting. That proposal included a 20% tax rate and a referendum for voters but failed to gain support after its first reading.
Representative Wiedower also sponsored House Bill 686 and House Resolution 450, which would have sent sports betting to voters with a proposed 24% tax rate and up to 16 licenses. Although both measures cleared the House Committee on Higher Education, neither advanced to a full House vote.
Tourism committee highlights potential benefits
While the House gaming study committee declined to take a position, a Senate panel focused on tourism offered a more favorable view. The Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism suggested that authorizing online sports betting could help generate funds to attract high-profile events.
“It was a simple recommendation much like the rest of the list,” Senator Drew Echols, who chaired the committee, said. “The recommendations are just that. Hard to say how many if any of the recommendations will come to fruition.”
The committee pointed to Georgia’s $42.2 billion in visitor spending during 2024 and referenced North Carolina’s use of gaming revenue to draw major sporting events and concerts. Supporters of House Bill 910 argue that similar strategies could benefit Georgia, even as opposition within the legislature remains strong.
