- Constitutional amendment misses House vote deadline after late introduction
- Opposition cites gambling addiction risks for youth voters
- Supporters aim for 2026 ballot with pre-K funding promise
- Georgia remains among 12 states without legal sports wagering
For the seventh consecutive legislative session, Georgia politicians have failed to align on sports betting regulations. The collapse comes despite intense lobbying from Atlanta’s pro sports franchises and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who positioned the measure as a revenue source for early childhood education. House Resolution 897 would have required voter approval through a 2026 constitutional amendment referendum.
Industry analysts note Georgia’s inaction contrasts sharply with Hawaii’s recent progress, where lawmakers passed an online betting framework last week. Meanwhile, Missouri’s 2024 legalization effort – often cited as a model by Peach State advocates – faces operational delays as regulators finalize licensing rules through summer 2025.
Three critical roadblocks emerged during committee debates:
- 20% of House Republicans oppose all gambling expansion
- Democrats demand binding guarantees for pre-K funding allocation
- Constitutional amendment requires 120+ votes across chambers
This stalemate costs Georgia an estimated $60 million annually in untapped tax revenue, according to Atlanta Chamber of Commerce projections. Neighboring Tennessee generated $92 million from mobile sportsbooks in 2024 alone, with 15% dedicated to mental health programs – a compromise absent from Georgia’s latest proposal.
Legal experts suggest the 2026 strategy carries new risks. By delaying the referendum until a presidential election year, lawmakers increase youth voter turnout that historically correlates with anti-gambling sentiment. However, supporters argue demographic shifts in Atlanta’s suburbs could offset this trend.