Georgia Committee Recommends Legalizing Online Sportsbooks

Lawmakers in the Peach State are giving sports betting another look.

Georgia’s Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism delivered a recommendation to legalize online sports betting this week. The biggest reason for the recommendation was the untapped source of tax revenue. It believes it will help the state capitalize on its thriving tourism industry, giving it even more opportunities to host significant events like the Super Bowl or the March Madness Finals.

In the recommendation, the committee highlights the neighboring North Carolina sports betting market. It highlighted the market’s success and how the state was using the extra revenue to attract significant events. It has bolstered their tourism, helping compete with neighbors like Tennessee and Virginia. 

Legalizing online sportsbooks in Georgia would help the state capitalize on the events it already hosts. 

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a popular site for most sports leagues to host games and tournaments, as well as large concerts. Fans from around the country will make the trip, some of whom will already be actively betting on sports.

The state saw several sports betting bills fail in 2025, but proponents hope this recommendation will help the effort in 2026.

Concerns Over Sports Betting Remain

There is little debate over the financial benefits of regulated online sports betting, as the Senate committee's recommendation shows. However, opponents are focused on other concerns.

The biggest argument against legalizing mobile sports betting is problem gambling. The country has suffered a massive spike in gambling addiction. While more tools and resources are available to those affected, it hasn’t stemmed the rise in cases.

The industry is also dealing with the threat of betting scandals involving athletes and coaches. We have seen major ones uncovered by investigations in the MLB and NBA over the last two months, raising concerns about the leagues' ability to prevent them.

Georgia is one of the most sports-loving states in the country. Opponents fear that this could change as the integrity of sports remains under pressure, making them hesitate to welcome the industry into their state.