State-sanctioned sports betting in Georgia isn’t coming soon, according to July 2025 comments from a local lawmaker. However, resistance could soon be complicated by the President’s son in September 2025 calling for Georgia to legalize sports betting.
Representative Gary Richardson (R-GA, District 125) told Fox News 54 that addiction is the primary concern related to legislation to legalize online betting.
“In the first committee meeting I went into, they were stating that 25-30% will have gambling problems,” Richardson said. “That’s a lot of people. There’s a lot of local, rural community folks who have concerns.”
Sports gambling addiction statistics show that more than half of online sports bettors chase losses. Nearly 40% have bet more than they felt comfortable with losing.
Problem gambling affects 8–10 people in the orbit of the individual suffering from the affliction.
Richardson also expressed concern that Georgians would use betting to try to pay their bills.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?
No, sports betting remains illegal in Georgia as of 2025.
Right now, Georgians can access offshore gambling websites, such as those based in the Dutch island Curaçao, but those companies don’t have Georgia’s stamp of approval. The offshore sportsbooks can’t advertise on TV or radio, like Georgia-sanctioned books would be able to do.
Sports betting via Kalshi and Polymarket, which both count Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor, is also possible in the Peach State. Those websites also operate without Georgia’s approval, but they’ve received the OK from the federal government.
In Georgia, it’s illegal for an individual to place traditional sports bets, not just for operators to run sportsbooks.
Under Georgia law, most gambling — including sports betting — is classified as a misdemeanor. Even playing as the bettor is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines of $1,000.
However, it’s rare for sports bettors to face criminal charges in Georgia. The law is difficult to enforce.
The potential penalties are harsher for operating a sportsbook. The commercial operation of sports betting is a felony in Georgia.
Sports Betting Near Georgia
Georgians can drive across the border to Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina to access state-approved online gambling apps.
You don’t have to be a resident of those states to bet on sports. Georgia residents can register, deposit, and gamble with sports betting websites once they cross the border into the state with legal betting. Geolocation technology in your phone or computer allows the sportsbook to know your location.
Neighboring states have seen the social impact of sports betting, which should give Georgia pause.
For example, North Carolina’s gambling helpline saw a significant spike in calls following the launch of online betting.
The crisis in North Carolina is not surprising. In one of the most egregious examples of harmful sports betting advertising, the Carolina Panthers promoted an over/under line on its own game.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Apps in Georgia
There is a blind spot in Georgia law regarding daily fantasy sports gambling platforms.
DFS gambling through companies such as DraftKings, FanDuel and PrizePicks are allowed in Georgia.
These gambling apps take advantage of a legal loophole. DFS is not explicitly legal, but it also isn’t banned.
The legal status of DFS apps might change if new laws are passed. For now, it’s fully accessible to residents and visitors aged 18 (or older, depending on the operator’s terms).
Like traditional sports betting, DFS sports gambling can be highly addictive.
In July 2025, the attorney general of California issued an opinion declaring DFS illegal and addictive. It’s possible a similar opinion could eventually be handed down in Georgia.
2025 Georgia Sports Betting Legislation
All 2025 initiatives failed to move beyond the committee stage, leaving no sports betting issue on Georgia’s 2026 ballot.
It was a major win for gambling addiction experts and advocates.
Let’s look at what went down in the Georgia Legislature in 2025.
House Bills Introduced (March 2025)
The House Higher Education Committee advanced HB 686 (framework for online sports betting) and HR 450 (proposing a constitutional amendment for voter referendum) to the House Rules Committee.
These bills included licensing under the Georgia Lottery, tax provisions (later increased from 20% to 24%), “responsible” gambling measures, and educational funding.
Despite committee approval, neither HB 686 nor HR 450 was brought before the full House before crossover day, so both died without a vote.
Senate Bills Introduced (February–April)
Senate Bill 208, filed by Sen. Billy Hickman in February 2025, sought to authorize sports betting under the Georgia Lottery (up to 18 licenses, 25 % tax).
A companion resolution, SR 131, aimed at placing the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
House Bill 910, introduced in April, also sought to regulate and tax sports betting. However, it died in committee.
GA Sports Betting Legislation Timeline Pre-2025
Georgia policymakers have considered sports betting since 2019, when informal discussions began following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling related to sports gambling outside of Nevada.
The first Georgia sports betting bill was introduced in 2020. Since then, efforts have faltered.
Let’s look at a legislative timeline for Georgia’s sports betting efforts.
Early Considerations
- 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing states to legalize betting.
- 2019: Georgia lawmakers begin informal discussions about legalizing sports betting, primarily as a way to boost the HOPE scholarship fund.
First Formal Legislative Attempt
- Feb. 2020: A bill (SR 841) is introduced to allow sports betting under the Georgia Lottery without requiring a constitutional amendment.
- Support: Backed by major Atlanta sports franchises (e.g., Falcons, Hawks, Braves).
- Outcome: The bill dies in committee amid disagreement over whether a constitutional amendment is needed.
Stronger Push with Broader Support
- Feb. 2021: Lawmakers introduce SB 142 and SR 135, creating a regulatory structure and ballot referendum for sports betting.
- Debate: Whether sports betting requires a constitutional amendment is debated.
- Outcome: Despite lobbying from pro teams, the measures stall in the House.
Failed Attempts Continue
- Multiple sports betting bills, including constitutional amendment proposals.
- March 2022: Legislative session ends without passing sports betting legislation.
- Key issues: Ongoing legal disagreement on whether betting expansion needs voter approval via amendment and addiction concerns.
Momentum Stalls Again
- Feb. 2023: The introduction of SB 57, which proposes legal sports betting through the lottery and retail sportsbooks.
- March 2023: A constitutional amendment proposal fails in the Senate.
- Outcome: No sports betting bill passes before the session deadline.
New Senate Bill Gains Traction
- Jan. 2024: SB 386 is introduced, proposing sports betting via constitutional amendment.
- Feb. 2024: SB 386 passes a Senate committee, with plans for 2024 ballot placement.
- Outcome: The bill passes the Senate but dies in the House again amid GOP divisions and anti-gambling opposition concerned about addiction.
Delta Air Lines to Lobby for Georgia Sports Betting?
Delta Air Lines is based in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm’s headquarters and primary operational base are located in the city.
Delta and DraftKings have a partnership, with in-flight gambling being explored as of mid-2025.
In-flight sports gambling could be lucrative, so it’s possible Delta could join Georgia sports leagues in pushing for legalizing sports gambling.
Decades-old federal law prohibits in-flight gambling, but it’s possible states look to legalize in-flight gambling on flights to and from their respective jurisdictions.
The Georgia-based Moms Against Gambling group predicted that “swarms of gambling lobbyists at our Capitol will include Delta’s.”
The Georgia Sports Betting Alliance, which includes FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook, has been lobbying in the state.
Georgia Gambling Hotline Number
Sports betting currently exists in Georgia through offshore casino websites, domestic and offshore “sweepstakes” platforms and DFS gambling apps.
If you’re struggling with problem gambling in Georgia, call 1-800-715-4225.
The hotline is operated by the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL).
The problem gambling hotline is available 24/7, and it’s free and confidential. It also includes help for people dealing with other issues related to gambling addiction.
Additional resources include 1-800-GAMBLER, a nationwide hotline for gambling help.
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