Lawmakers in Georgia have proposed a new bill seeking the legalization of both sports betting and online casino gambling in the state. The bill is the brainchild of four senators, and it aims to expand legal gaming across the state, which also includes land-based casino gaming aside from online casino gaming and sports betting.

Lawmakers in Georgia are making another attempt at expanding gambling in the state, with a newly filed proposal that seeks to legalize sports betting and casino gaming through a public referendum.

Senate Resolution 131 (SR 131), introduced on February 4, aims to amend the state constitution to permit a broad gaming expansion, including onsite casinos, online sports betting, and iGaming. The proposal, backed by Republican senators Carden Summers, Billy Hickman, Brandon Beach, and Lee Anderson, would allow voters to ultimately decide the fate of gambling in the Peach State. This marks another effort by these lawmakers, who proposed similar legislation last year, but failed to gain traction in the state legislature.

Key provisions of SR 131

Under the framework outlined in SR 131, at least eight casino gaming licenses will be awarded through a newly-created gaming commission, with each license allowing for one associated online gaming operation. The bill also sets a 20% tax rate for online sports betting and casino gaming, with the generated revenue directed into a specially established Georgia Gaming Proceeds Fund.

According to the proposal, the first $2 billion collected in the fund would be distributed among the governing authorities of each county in Georgia. Additional revenue beyond this threshold would also be allocated to counties until total county payments reach a minimum of $5 billion. Beyond that, at least 5% of any extra revenue would be dedicated to gambling addiction treatment and other responsible gaming initiatives.

If the measure successfully passes through the state legislature, Georgia voters will have the final say on gambling expansion in an upcoming statewide referendum.

A renewed effort following 2024 setback

This latest proposal is a reworking of last year's SR 538, which was also sponsored by Hickman, Summers, Anderson, and Beach, but failed to progress. That previous bill had proposed a lower minimum of five casino licenses and a 13% tax rate - both of which have been increased in this year's version.

The 2025 bill also introduces a significant change: the creation of the Georgia Gaming Proceeds Fund. This provision was not included in prior efforts and could help sway support by ensuring that gambling revenues directly benefit local communities.

Other gambling bills also stalled in 2024

SR 131 is not the only gambling-related proposal to have faced difficulties in Georgia. Last year, Senate Bill 386 and SR 579, its attendant measure, gained momentum in the Senate and House Higher Education Committee but ultimately failed in the House Rules Committee. Those bills proposed allowing as much as 16 sports betting licenses with a tax rate initially set at 20%, later increased to 25% through an amendment. Additionally, another proposal from 2024, SB 172, sought to legalize both retail and online sports betting in a constitutional amendment. That effort, spearheaded by Sen. Bill Cowsert, also did not advance.

Georgia lawmakers have now attempted to expand gambling legislation for seven consecutive years, with no success to date. Despite growing support for regulated gaming, efforts to pass gambling expansion have repeatedly faced resistance from anti-gambling groups and conservative legislators concerned about the social impact of legalized betting.

What's next for Georgia's gambling future?

SR 131 is still in its early stages, and its path through the legislature remains uncertain. The proposal must first gain approval in the Senate and House before being placed on the ballot for Georgia voters to decide. If the resolution gains momentum, it could finally open the door for casino gaming and online sports betting in the state. However, with a history of past legislative roadblocks, supporters of the bill will need to work hard to garner the necessary backing for its passage.

As Georgia continues to debate the issue, the outcome of SR 131 could have significant economic implications for the state, potentially bringing in billions in tax revenue while also addressing concerns about gambling addiction through dedicated funding initiatives.