Another strong push for Georgia sports betting is likely coming in early 2025, and Gov. Brian Kemp remains open to the idea.
At a ribbon cutting for PrizePicks’ new headquarters in Atlanta this month, Kemp emphasized his neutral stance on legalizing Georgia sports betting but that he believes it could help the state financially, according to the Georgia Recorder. The 2025 Georgia legislative session begins Jan. 13.
“My position has been very clear on gaming. That being said, the legislature, especially, if they’re trying to do a constitutional amendment, it doesn’t really matter what I think,” Kemp said. “My whole thing is if they’re going to do something like that we need to make sure it does not cannibalize the lottery and HOPE scholarship.”
Where Georgia sports betting stands
Lawmakers have tried for several years to legalize sports betting in Georgia. However, legislators differ on how they believe they can accomplish this feat.
Some proponents believe a constitutional amendment is required to pass the issue, while others argue that the amendment route is unnecessary. Supporters also disagree on where the money from sports betting revenue would go.
Then, there is strong opposition from groups within both parties and religious organizations like the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
Legislative proposals this year
Sen. Clint Dixon filed a bill in January 2024 to legalize sports betting as a game under the Georgia Lottery. The bill would have created seven licenses for competitive bids and nine other licenses connected to Georgia sports entities and the lottery.
Meanwhile, Sen. Bill Cowsert filed a bill requiring a constitutional amendment. That would require more votes in the legislature and approval from voters at the polls.
Dixon told the Georgia Reporter he believes any effort will start in the House in 2025, but he will be happy to take it up in the Senate.
Voters want sports betting
Earlier this month, Sen. Brandon Beach wrote an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution arguing that Georgia voters want sports betting.
His argument is the demographics that helped swing the Peach State from Democrat in 2020 to Republican in 2024 are strong sports bettors.
“Georgia Republicans were right to chastise Stacey Abrams for costing our economy hundreds of millions in economic activity when the MLB pulled the All-Star game over her claims about an elections and voting bill the Legislature passed in 2021,” Beach wrote.
“Republicans will only have ourselves to blame when FIFA, the NFL, the NCAA and others decide Georgia isn’t a fan-friendly state to locate big games because of our refusal to legalize sports betting.”
