Georgia, long known for its resistance to gambling, may finally be on the verge of a dramatic shift. A new bill—Senate Resolution 131—could put the decision in the hands of voters, opening the door for at least eight casinos and legalized sports betting. If successful, this could mark a significant change for the Peach State, bringing in millions in tax revenue and reshaping its economy.
A High-Stakes Debate Over Gambling in Georgia
Georgia has stood firm against gambling for decades. Unlike many other states, it has no casinos, and even sports betting has remained off-limits. But state senators backing the bill argue that legalizing gambling would keep money within the state, rather than letting it flow to underground markets or neighboring states with friendlier laws.
Sen. Brandon Beach, one of the bill’s sponsors, has been vocal about what Georgia stands to gain. He pointed to upcoming major sporting events, including the College Football Playoff National Championship, the Super Bowl, and FIFA World Cup games. According to Beach, Georgia’s refusal to legalize betting isn’t just missing out on tax revenue—it’s also enabling unregulated offshore betting sites that operate without consumer protections.
It’s not the first time lawmakers have attempted to change the status quo. Prior efforts to legalize gambling have fallen short. However, new polling from the University of Georgia suggests the tide may be turning, with over 60% of voters now in favor of legal sports betting.
What the Bill Proposes
The bill outlines a clear framework for legal gambling in Georgia, but it’s not a free-for-all. The proposal:
- Allows for at least eight casinos across the state.
- Legalizes sports betting but excludes online casinos.
- Limits gambling to physical casino facilities with licensed operators.
- Sets a tax rate of 20% on gross gaming income.
- Establishes a Georgia Gaming Commission to regulate and oversee the industry.
If passed, voters would decide on the constitutional amendment in November 2026. That means Georgia residents would have the final say on whether they want casinos and sports betting in their state.
What Could This Mean for Georgia’s Economy?
The financial impact could be massive. Supporters believe a legalized gambling industry could funnel millions into state coffers, benefiting public services and economic growth.
Gov. Brian Kemp has historically remained neutral on the issue, but he has emphasized that any proposal must not undermine Georgia’s lottery system or the HOPE scholarship, which funds education for Georgia students.
A quick look at neighboring states shows why some lawmakers are pushing for the change:
| State | Casinos Legal? | Sports Betting Legal? |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | No | Yes |
| Florida | Yes | Yes |
| Alabama | No | No |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes (including online) |
With Mississippi expanding online betting and Texas considering similar measures, Georgia risks falling further behind in potential tax revenue.
Opposition Remains, But Momentum Is Growing
Despite the growing support, opposition to gambling legalization remains strong. Religious groups and conservative lawmakers argue that casinos could lead to addiction, crime, and financial hardship for vulnerable communities.
Others believe the revenue projections may be overly optimistic. While tax dollars from gambling could boost state funding, critics question whether the costs—such as increased regulation and addiction services—might offset those gains.
Still, momentum appears to be on the side of legalization. With neighboring states embracing gambling and public opinion shifting, Georgia’s stance on betting may soon change. The real question is whether lawmakers can craft a plan that wins over both voters and skeptics in the legislature.
A final decision is still years away, but if this bill moves forward, Georgia could be on track to transform its gaming landscape for the first time in history.
