Lawmakers in Georgia have renewed the push toward legalizing sports betting and casino gambling, introducing a resolution that would allow voters to decide on the issue in November 2026. Senate Resolution 131 (SR 131), filed by four state senators on Tuesday, proposes amending the state constitution to permit regulated gaming and establishing a Georgia Gaming Commission to oversee operations.
The resolution, sponsored by Senators Carden Summers, Billy Hickman, Brandon Beach, and Lee Anderson, outlines a framework for sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia. It proposes a 20% tax on gaming revenue, with proceeds directed to a newly created Georgia Gaming Proceeds Fund.
At least eight casino licenses would be issued, though there is no upper limit on the number of licenses that could be granted. The measure explicitly prohibits online casino gaming, restricting gambling operations to physical locations only.
While the resolution has been introduced, the path to legalization remains uncertain in a state that has historically resisted gambling expansion. Previous efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia have stalled despite increasing public interest and the success of neighboring states like Tennessee and North Carolina, which have already established regulated sports betting markets.
For SR 131 to move forward, it must clear several legislative hurdles. The resolution needs to pass the Senate by March 6, 2025, to meet the state’s crossover deadline, and then secure full legislative approval by April 4, 2025.
If it garners two-thirds support in both chambers, the proposal will be placed on Georgia ballots in November 2026 for a public vote. If approved by voters, legal sports betting could launch in 2027.
Local residents and stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. Some see the resolution as an opportunity to generate significant revenue for the state, with projections suggesting that $2 billion in tax revenue could be distributed evenly among Georgia counties. Others say it could help curb illegal gambling activities, arguing that regulated markets offer better consumer protections.
The resolution also includes provisions for problem gambling, allocating 5% of tax revenue, beyond county distributions, to fund gambling addiction prevention and treatment programs.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/07/94409-georgia-lawmakers-introduce-sports-betting-casino-legalization-bill-for-2026-statewide-vote
