Georgia lawmakers have made a renewed push to legalize sports betting in the state with the return of House Bill 910.
The Bill – HB910 – was first introduced in April 2025 by Rep. Matt Hatchett and has now carried into the New Year.
To support efforts, a new Bill has been introduced for the 2026 legislative session that would provide: a regulatory framework, a roadmap for delivery, and a structure that outlines the taxes, fees and responsibilities for legalization.
Crucially, the legal structure is one that was initially passed by the Georgia Senate back in 2024 when a sports betting framework operated by the state lottery was approved without a referendum.
However, before final passage in the Senate, the Bill was amended on the floor to mandate a constitutional amendment, which would have put the question to voters in a referendum.
What does HB910 propose?
The framework is written in Georgia law as follows:
“Article I, Section II, Paragraph VIII(c) of the Constitution of the State of Georgia authorizes the General Assembly to provide by law for any matters relating to purposes or provisions of that subparagraph, which purposes and provisions may encompass sports betting as a game or games offered by the Georgia Lottery Corporation.”
The lottery-based structure is deliberate and strategic in line with the constitutional authority, above.
Lottery and similar games are permitted, but gambling is prohibited unless an amendment to the law is authorized and approved by the electorate.
HB910 outlines the provision of online sports betting only, with no consideration for physical sportsbooks, casino venues, or racetracks.
There is still significant opposition to the legalization of sports betting in Georgia, but proponents believe the case is strengthened through increased support from the industry, as well as a willingness to get it right.
Lawmakers and supporters want to deliver sports betting to stop the flow of bettors spending their dollars outside of the state lines, with the tax revenue raised to be directed toward crucial social needs.
Conditions of HB910
At present, no form of sports betting is legal in Georgia.
No casinos exist, and there are no racetracks, with the Peach State having some of the strictest gambling laws in all of the US.
HB910 aims to change the situation, without radical reform.
The familiar framework would provide a clear licensing structure for online sportsbooks in Georgia, under the authority of the state lottery.
As part of this, up to 18 sports betting licenses would be made available.
All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $100,000 and an annual license fee levy of $1.5m.
The prospective sportsbook platforms in Georgia would be liable for a 25% tax on all adjusted gross gaming revenues.
HB910 further stipulates a set allocation of the sports betting licenses in Georgia.
Of the licenses granted, five licenses would be granted to the professional sports teams in the state (Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta United FC and Atlanta Dream).
One license would be allocated to the PGA Tour, Augusta National, Atlanta Motor Speedway, and the Georgia Lottery, respectively, while two would be issued to operators approved by the National Steeplechase Association.
The remaining seven licenses would be made available to commercial sportsbook operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel through a set procurement process.
Backers of HB910 are said to be cognizant of the previous attempt that did not clear the final passage in the Senate, with the fresh effort given a wider scope and enhanced contributions from stakeholders to maximize its potential.
The argument is that a controlled, regulated market can return hundreds of millions in tax revenues for the state, with extra protections for bettors.
Opposition to the introduction of sports betting in Georgia
Optimism and confidence in the prospects of HB910 are tempered by the opposition and challenges, which remain largely unchanged.
Those detractors include: religious organizations, conservative lawmakers, anti-gambling advocacy groups and some bipartisan critics too.
Mike Griffin, a lobbyist for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and Southern Baptist Convention, has stated during previous legislative hearings that “for every dollar in revenue (raised), it could cost taxpayers $3 to $5 to fix.”
These concerns over: addiction and associated social costs, impact on youths, as well as fundamental moral opposition, will be difficult to placate.
HB910 seeks to introduce an online sports betting framework, but there is still a desire and support for a hybrid model including retail betting.
This is another issue that will need to be overcome with a consensus reached.
Bipartisan support for the bill
Support for legalizing sports betting in Georgia comes from both sides of the aisle.
This bipartisan backing is a crucial element for progress and bringing the plan toward delivery.
Lawmakers are aware of what is going on in neighboring states, with the likes of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida shaping their respective gambling frameworks to the benefit of the state.
There has been some movement on the market in South Carolina, while lawmakers in Alabama are currently reviving efforts for a state lottery.
Georgia is still one of a small number of large Southwestern states without a legal sportsbook market. But it could well be one of the next US states to legalize online sports betting in 2026.
As previously stated, there is a recognition of the need to strike a balance on the introduction of a competitive sports gambling market, balanced with rigid consumer protections.
A key area of focus is the concern that Georgians are already betting on illicit platforms without any protection whatsoever.
A local, regulated market fills this particular void.
Other residents are traveling to nearby states to gamble, and there is also the loss of revenue from tourists indulging in betting activity.
All of this is being considered as part of the proposed framework, which will also contain provisions for educational programs, support for at-risk users, and important monitoring systems for the integrity of the overall sports betting structure and associated professional and collegiate competitions.
What happens next for online sports betting in Georgia?
Now that the 2026 legislative session is underway, lawmakers will be reviewing, debating, supporting and challenging the various bills on the table.
HB910 is one of those, with committees in the Georgia House and Senate deciding its next phase. They will review the content, hear from industry experts, listen to advocates on both sides of the debate and convene the required hearings.
By next month, HB910 could make it onto the floor for debate if it gains assent from the committees.
From there, it will be up to the lawmakers to shape the policy proposal, to allow for any amendments, and possibly make some concessions along the negotiation process.
While proponents argue that support for sports betting in Georgia has increased, they will need to demonstrate this in a way that is conducive to the needs and concerns of the state.
Public opinion and market trends will also be utilized and debated as part of the overall decision on whether or not to legalize the sports betting market in Georgia in 2026 – or not.
