Georgia Lawmakers Look to Roll the Dice on Sports Betting, Online Casinos a Longshot
Proposed Bill Promises a Tax Windfall but Stops Short of Legalizing iGaming
Georgia’s New Push for Sports Betting, Casinos, and a 20% Tax
Lawmakers in Georgia are looking to double down on the expansion of online sports betting in the Peach State during this year’s legislative session. However, the measure snubs gambling regulations for online casinos.
On Tuesday evening, four Senators filed Senate Resolution 131, a proposal that includes in-person gambling and a 20% tax rate. Interestingly enough, it was the issue of taxes that derailed two promising proposals in 2024, after legislators were unable to agree on how to spend the tax revenue.
While those discussions are still days away, the potential launch of local sportsbooks in Georgia would have to wait at least until 2027. If successful, the resolution would allow for a ballot question in next year’s midterms to amend the state’s constitution.
Besides creating a legal framework for state authorities to regulate local sports betting operators and in-person gambling, the proposal would establish the Georgia Gaming Commission (GGC). This new entity would also be responsible for issuing up to eight casino licenses.
Online sports betting could generate up to $100 million in tax revenue, according to recent studies commissioned by state authorities.
What Is in SB 131?
The resolution filed this past Tuesday was sponsored by the following Republican Senators:
- Lee Anderson
- Brandon Beach
- Billy Hickman
- Carden Summers
It seeks to change a paragraph in the first article (Section II) of the Constitution. To do so, voters would have to approve the change in the next General Election, scheduled for November 2026.
The proposed ballot question reads as follows:
BREAKING: Four Georgia state senators have filed a resolution to legalize online sports betting and casino gambling via an amendment to the state constitution. The proposed tax rate is 20% and there would be a limit of 8 casinos. Proposed ballot Q below: https://t.co/zCOkslYDrK pic.twitter.com/oXjc5QJyvt
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) February 5, 2025
Casino Fun From Home?
As noted by lawyer Daniel Wallach, an expert in U.S. gaming law, SR 131 notably excludes online casino gambling “through language stating that “no OFF-SITE casino gambling activities shall be permitted or authorized in this state.” However, see the New Jersey and Florida workaround.”
This means that, while the resolution’s language is very direct, other jurisdictions like Florida and New Jersey feature similar provisions in their legislation, yet legal loopholes have been found to circumvent them. Nonetheless, none of the sponsors have hinted at pursuing that possibility.
The Georgia legislative session still has two months to go, concluding on April 4th. However, the crossover deadline for Senate approval is March 6th, which could be a problem if the House of Representatives makes changes to the proposal. Still, looking at last year’s example, it’s likely the lower chamber will follow suit and approve it by a two-thirds majority.
Bad Beat for Online Casinos Legislation
Looking at some recent casino news, it seems that apprehension for iGaming is not exclusive to the Peach State. Currently, nine states are discussing proposals regarding online casinos, yet one of them already folded after lawmakers in Wyoming indefinitely postponed HB 162.
While things continue to look peachy for online sports betting, that doesn’t seem to be the case for online gambling regulations in the U.S. As of February 2025, only seven jurisdictions have enacted legislation for iGaming, compared to the 30 states plus D.C. that have embraced online sportsbooks.
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