New House Bill Gives Sports Betting One Last Shot in Georgia in 2025

The 2025 legislative session is coming to an end, but sports betting proponents in Georgia aren’t ready to give up.

Georgia Representative Marcus Wiedower has introduced House Resolution 450 to legalize sports betting. The move comes after the Senate voted down a ballot initiative to allow Georgia residents to decide on the issue. While the proposal gives sports betting one last shot in 2025, it must be approved and sent to the Senate by the March 6 crossover deadline.

One of the biggest roadblocks to sports betting in the Peach State has been the need for a constitutional amendment. This amendment sets a higher threshold for getting a bill approved, leading to past attempts failing. 

Past attempts to legalize sports betting in the state have involved casino games, horse racing, and other forms of gambling. Proponents of HR 450 hope it will face a more straightforward path since it only includes online sports betting. 

If the Georgia House can pass the bill before the deadline, it will need to be approved by the Senate before the legislative session ends on April 4.

Public Support Could Sway Opponents

While the Georgia legislature has struggled to legalize sports betting, the public has grown restless. According to a study from the University of Georgia, over 63% of voters favor legal sports betting. This study comes just a few months after over 80% of Republican voters favored the topic on the next ballot.

Many lawmakers are up for re-election in November 2026, so they could change their stance on sports betting. With the public wanting to decide on the issue, it will be difficult for those looking to remain in office to oppose future sports betting bills.

While HR 450 means the hope for legal sports betting isn’t over in 2025, many believe the 2026 session will present the best chance to legalize the industry.