Georgia Debates Gambling Expansion with Eye on 2026 Vote

Testimony before Georgia’s House Study Committee on Gaming this week underscored not only the potential of legalized sports betting but also the allure of billion-dollar casino resorts that could reshape the state’s tourism and entertainment landscape.

Industry representatives and policy experts told lawmakers that Georgia could follow in North Carolina’s footsteps, projecting more than $100 million in annual tax revenue from sports betting alone if voters approve gambling expansion in 2026.

Category	Details
Projected Revenue	$100M+ annually from sports betting
Potential Jobs	Up to 4,000 from casino resorts
Legislation	HB 686 with 16 online betting licenses, 24% tax rate
Public Support	63% of Georgians favor legal sports betting
Major Developers	Bally’s, Boyd Gaming, Wynn Resorts, Gaming & Leisure Properties

 

Sports Betting Projections and Comparisons

Former North Carolina Rep. Jason Saine, who helped usher in sports betting in his state, urged lawmakers to see Georgia as a natural candidate for similar growth. North Carolina generated $116 million in its first year of legal wagering, nearly doubling initial projections. With a comparable population of about 10.8 million, Georgia could expect similar results, Saine said, though tax structure will be crucial.

Sports Betting Alliance president Jeremy Kudon offered even more optimistic figures, estimating $154 million in tax revenue in year one under a 17% tax rate, with potential to reach $222 million annually by year five. Polls suggest strong public backing for such a move. A University of Georgia and Metro Atlanta Chamber survey in late 2024 found that 63% of Georgians support legalizing sports betting. Despite the revenue potential, the path to legalization remains complex. Georgia’s constitution prohibits most forms of gambling, requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the General Assembly and approval from voters statewide.

That political barrier has derailed past efforts. In 2021, Democratic lawmakers withdrew support after Republicans advanced a controversial voting bill. In 2023, sports betting stalled before a crossover deadline, leading to a failed attempt to attach it to a bill designating the state’s official soap box derby.

Legislation introduced this year, including Rep. Marcus Wiedower’s HB 686, will carry into the next session. Wiedower’s proposal outlines 16 online sports betting licenses and a 24% tax rate. While sports betting dominated much of the discussion, casino developers also made their case. Executives from Bally’s, Boyd Gaming, Gaming and Leisure Properties, and Wynn Resorts expressed interest in Georgia as a potential resort market.

Christopher Gordon, president of Wynn Resorts Development, said the company is “seriously considering” Georgia and urged lawmakers to follow Massachusetts’ model of limited licenses and strong regulation. Wynn’s $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor resort, opened in 2019, was cited as a template. A similar project in Georgia, Gordon said, could employ as many as 4,000 workers.

Rick Lackey, CEO of City Commercial Real Estate, pointed to at least 25 viable resort sites in Georgia and suggested developers are prepared to invest more than $3 billion in the state. Professional sports organizations also signaled support. The PGA Tour testified that legalized wagering could increase fan engagement while reducing risks tied to unregulated markets. Atlanta’s major sports teams have previously backed sports betting legislation as well.

Geolocation data further highlight the demand. GeoComply reported 4.4 million location checks from Georgia sportsbook users attempting to place bets in other states during last year’s NFL season—a 66% increase from the prior year. Tennessee’s border towns, such as Exit 1 off I-75 near Chattanooga, saw heavy activity from Georgia residents seeking legal wagers.

 

People will come out and say the sky will fall, it will ruin Georgia. For the naysayers, we are living proof they’re wrong.

 

The Road Ahead

The House Study Committee will continue hearings through December 1 before issuing recommendations. Whether Georgia ultimately embraces sports betting or large-scale casinos, the debate is shaping up as a test of political will as much as economic potential.

Voters, if given the chance in 2026, will ultimately decide whether Georgia joins the growing list of states reshaping their economies through legalized gaming.