Georgia lawmakers are set to introduce new legislation that would allow residents to vote on a constitutional amendment to potentially legalize gambling in the state, with a particular focus on online sports betting.
State Representative Matt Reeves believes revenue generated by online sports betting operators could reach billions of dollars and help benefit lottery-funded education.
“We got the Peach Bowl here today with these two states who are benefiting for their kids’ education, whereas Georgia is not getting a dollar from it, even though millions of Georgians are placing bets,” Reeves said.
Lawmakers have made previous attempts to legalize various forms of gaming for Georgia residents, with a House committee hearing arguments from both sides prior to voting against sports gambling in October 2025.
Figures such as Reeves also contend residents are going across state lines to place sports wagers, while opposition to legalized gambling such as the Faith and Freedom Coalition cite recent betting scandals as grounds to vote against the legislation.
The Coalition's Executive Director Mack Parnell discussed the scandal uncovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation involving NBA figures such as current player Terry Rozier, coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones.
Parnell said: “This is yet another reminder that when it comes to predatory gambling, sports betting and the associated industries, the only way to win is not to play.”
Reeves believes the constitutional amendment is necessary to increase gambling in Georgia, while proponents of the bill hope to “directly address” the issue with local voters.
On January 8, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1164 into law, authorizing Tribal governments across the state to begin conducting iGaming operations and generating pushback from organizations such as the National Association Against iGaming.
LD 1164 has also been referred to as An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations, which are set to begin offering iGaming to residents to help support Tribal communities and economic development.
Despite scheduling a vote on Assembly Bill 601 for November 19, the Wisconsin State Assembly instead chose to pull the legislation, which would potentially allow Tribal casinos to offer online sports betting
