Georgia in the waiting game: sports betting at a standstill
The path to legalising sports betting in Georgia has once again reached a stalemate. Despite growing support from professional sports teams and business groups, state legislators failed to advance a constitutional amendment allowing voters to decide on the issue. The lack of consensus and limited voting time has left gaming proponents looking to 2026 as their next opportunity.
Georgia’s case reflects a pattern repeated in other states that have yet to legalise sports betting. While Missouri became the 39th state to approve it via referendum in 2024, there are still 10 states that have not taken the step, facing similar political and social obstacles.
A fragmented landscape
Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the in 2018, Georgia has attempted to legalise sports betting several times. Since the historic decision overturning the federal ban on commercial sports betting, each state has had the autonomy to decide whether to allow this activity and under what conditions.
According to reports, Georgia has made at least seven attempts to legalise sports betting and 바카라 gaming, including:
- 2020: Bills HB 378 and SB 403 were introduced but did not advance.
- 2021, 2022, and 2023: Various proposals failed, including the Georgia Lottery Sports Betting Act and SB 57.
- 2024: Bill SB 386 passed the Senate but did not advance to the House of Representatives.
- 2025: Several proposals have been introduced, including Senate Resolutions 538 and 131, but none have yet advanced to a state vote.
What’s happening in Georgia?
In the United States, the regulation of gambling, including online 바카라s and sports betting, varies significantly from state to state. As of 2025, at least 39 states have legalised sports betting at some level. Although more than half of the states have opted for some form of gambling regulation for online 바카라s or sports betting, some states resist, like Georgia, where internal opposition among Republicans and lack of Democratic support has stalled any progress.
The debate stalled before even reaching a vote. The constitutional amendment and supporting legislation were introduced with little notice, making it difficult to build consensus. According to media reports, Chuck Martin, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, admitted that lawmakers “simply weren’t ready to take that step.” Despite the possibility of reviving the debate in the final stretch of the legislative session, the chances of success are minimal.
Between pragmatism and moral opposition
The stance of opponents to gaming in Georgia is not unique. Similar proposals have faced legislative rejection or defeat at the polls in other states like Texas and California. The latest attempt to legalise sports betting in Minnesota was blocked in the Senate after a tied vote, despite support from Native American tribes, racetracks, and sports teams.
Common concerns among reluctant legislators include the risks of gambling addiction, especially among young people, and the potential for negative impacts on vulnerable communities. However, proponents argue that the black market continues to operate without regulations or consumer protections, exposing bettors to fraud and lacking guarantees.
In Missouri, where voters approved the referendum in 2024, authorities are drafting regulations and issuing licenses. The market is expected to come into operation by late summer or early fall. This example shows how, even when legalisation is achieved, the path to effective implementation can be long and complex.
The case of Hawaii
While Georgia and other states remain stalled, Hawaii has been surprised by advances in legalising online sports betting. On March 5, the state’s House of Representatives approved a bill allowing this type of betting, marking a milestone in a territory that has traditionally had a strict stance against gaming. If the Senate approves it and the governor ratifies it, Hawaii will join the states with a regulated market list.
This case is particularly interesting because, unlike most states that have legalised sports betting as part of expanding existing gaming, Hawaii does not have 바카라s or other legal gaming establishments. The bill’s approval could set a precedent for introducing a new industry without prior infrastructure.
Another attempt in 2026?
In conclusion, the story of sports betting in Georgia has not ended; the possibility of this state pushing for legalisation again in 2026 will depend on several factors, which include the political landscape, pressure from business and sports groups, and the evolution of the market in other states. The experience in Missouri and Hawaii could serve as a reference to adjust strategies and address the concerns of more sceptical legislators.
In parallel, the national landscape continues to change. With each state opting for regulation, pressure increases on those who resist. The tax revenue and positive economic impact in states where sports betting has been legalised are arguments that gaming proponents will continue to use to convince the undecided. Efforts are expected to continue, possibly with a state vote in 2026.
This article first appeared in Spanish on 11 March 2025.
