Sports betting companies are pouring money into two states looking to expand their markets, including Georgia.
A sports betting PAC is funneling millions of dollars into state election races as the fight to legalize Georgia sports betting continues after years of failure, according to Atlanta Civic Circle.
Likewise, DraftKings and FanDuel are pushing a ballot initiative forward to take Nebraska sports betting online.
Georgia sports betting push
Four sportsbooks started Win for America, a super PAC that has spent $9.5 million into Georgia races:
Win for America’s Republican arm, has spent $7.3 million on Republican state House and Senate candidates. It has also spent $2.2 million on Democratic candidates.
As of this month, the PAC is the top independent contributor for the 2026 election cycle in the Peach State.
Win for America going big in 2026
Win for America has spent more than $20 million in at least six states this year, including Texas, according to Axios.
The PAC is also focused on Alabama, Illinois, North Carolina and Ohio, with potential to target another 15 states including New York and Pennsylvania. While it is spending big on legalization efforts, they are also battling legislatures looking to tighten guardrails and raise taxes on the industry.
The PAC has raised at least $48 million from the sportsbooks.
Georgia came close this year
A sports betting push this year in Georgia failed to cross over chambers in March by a 98-63 vote. That included a no vote from a long-time sports betting proponent, Rep. Al Williams, who said he was left out of conversations regarding the landing spot for tax revenue.
The proposal would have legalized 16 sports betting licenses in Georgia. Other components included a 27.5% tax on sportsbook revenue and a ban on collegiate prop bets.
It is just the latest failure for Georgia sports legislation, which is a regular topic of conversation during sessions. However, as an issue with bipartisan support and opposition, it is often part of a political football game and gets derailed by other issues.
Nebraska ballot push gets funding
DraftKings and FanDuel are also contributing millions to the Tax Relief Nebraska, a ballot initiative to legalize online sportsbooks in Nebraska. The petition effort has secured more than $5.6 million this year.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel have supported it with $2.6 million. BetMGM and Fanatics have also contributed, donating $250,000 and $75,000, respectively.
Gambling companies have also donated to the campaigns of Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers.
Nebraska sports betting details
Nebraska casinos are leading the charge to take sports betting online, including WarHorse Casinos.
The petition to amend the state constitution to allow online sports betting needs signatures from at least 10% of registered voters, or approximately 125,000. A second petition to create a state statute requires 7% of voters, or 88,000.
The petitions began circulating in February. WarHorse CEO Lance Morgan said the plan is to secure at least 300,000 signatures.
Pillen opposes gambling, but supports the tax revenue potential to help offset rising property taxes on residents.
If it passes at the ballot, the state’s five casinos could offer up to two online sportsbook skins.
