A Georgia House committee has approved House Resolution 450 and House Bill 1325, pushing forward efforts to legalize sports betting in the state. The measures now face a crucial House floor vote on the last day for bills to cross chambers in the legislative session. The proposal seeks to authorize sports wagering under the oversight of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, outlining licensing requirements, taxation policies, and operational guidelines. The legislation establishes a 25% tax rate on sports betting revenue, aligning with recent adjustments to similar proposals.
For House Resolution 450 to proceed, it requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers before being placed on the ballot for voter approval in November 2026. The timeline is tight, as the legislative session concludes in early April, leaving little room for procedural delays. Past attempts to legalize sports betting in Georgia have encountered significant challenges, with previous proposals failing to gain the necessary legislative backing.
Despite historical setbacks, shifting political dynamics suggest renewed momentum as lawmakers weigh the economic potential and regulatory implications of an expanded gaming market.
Georgia sports betting poll details
According to the poll, 63% of all voters want legalized sports betting, with 72.9% of males in favor of legalization. Women clocked in at 54.2%. Just under 24% of respondents oppose legalization.
The 30-44 age bracket weighed in, with 75.4% wanting legalization, followed by the 45-64 age group at 62.9%.
Approximately 65% of both Republicans and Democrats support legalization. Last year, a Senate bill was backed by members of both parties. More than 54% of voters would be more likely to support legalization if it meant fewer Georgians crossed state lines or used offshore sportsbooks to wager. Nearly 80% of Georgians are more likely to support sports betting if all revenue goes to educational programs.
Approximately 78% of voters would prefer to decide on legalization at the polls rather than leave it in the legislature’s hands. Some lawmakers believe gambling expansion does require a constitutional amendment, which would require a public referendum.
The outcome of the House vote will determine the next steps in the process. If successful, House Bill 1325 will move to the Senate, where previous gambling-related legislation has struggled to advance. Industry stakeholders and policymakers are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing the broader financial and regulatory impact of a legal sports betting framework in Georgia. With limited time remaining in the session, the decisions made in the coming days could define the future of sports wagering in the state.
