Georgia’s journey towards legalizing sports betting has been filled with uphills and downhills, with the most recent setback in March 2024. Despite widespread interest from major sports leagues and casinos, the state legislature failed to pass any sports betting bills, and many sports betting supporters were left in limbo.
However, there is growing optimism that 2025 could be the year for legalized sports betting in Georgia.
The state’s gambling landscape is not just influenced by those in favor, but also by broader trends. Although gambling remains illegal in Georgia, the rise of digital currencies and the success of platforms like crypto casinos with no KYC (Know Your Customer) will likely evolve the current restrictive landscape. These sites, like the ones selected by Kane Pepi, don’t require players to submit personal details or copies of their IDs. This allows gamers to get straight to gambling without having to go through a lengthy verification process. These trends have increased the accessibility of online gambling and, as a result, made its legalization more of a hot topic.
Public opinion towards sports betting seems to be shifting, with polls indicating growing support for the industry as a means to boost state revenue and support education and public project funding.
Renewed legislative efforts are likely in 2025, especially given that neighboring states continue to legalize sports betting and other forms of gambling. This has placed a degree of pressure on Georgia’s government to follow suit.
The first steps towards legalization in the state happened when the US Supreme Court revoked the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (1992). This paved the way for legalization, and despite some bills being approved by the Senate, like Sen. Clint Dixon’s SB 386, the latest Legislative Session on March 29 concluded without approval for sports betting.
This bill aimed to legalize online sports betting and introduce a tax rate of 20% on adjusted gross revenue.
There is hope that similar bills will be revisited during the 2025 Georgia Legislative Session. Georgia has a large sports culture, which means that legalized sports betting (and associated tax revenue) can thrive in the state.
The passionate supporters of the Atlanta Falcons and the state’s college sports teams will also likely create a robust sports betting market. The potential for mobile-based sports betting is also an attractive proposition, especially with crypto and blockchain integration, as it will reshape how people engage with sports gambling. Some regulators are pushing for mobile sports betting given how much money it could make the state. Mobile sportsbooks can easily be regulated while curbing illegal wagering.
As 2025 draws closer, there is hope that the Georgia General Assembly will revisit and overcome the gambling issues it faced earlier this year. However, there remains strong opposition too, especially from religious groups and conservative lawmakers. Advocates are set to continue making their case, hoping to convince lawmakers of the economic benefits and consumer protections that a regulated gambling market offers.
