- Georgia lawmakers are taking another shot at legalizing sports betting with House Bill 910 returning for consideration.
- Up to 18 online sportsbook operators could receive licenses under the Georgia Lottery’s oversight if the measure passes.
- The bill faces an uphill battle after mixed signals from state committees and the departure of a leading supporter.
ATLANTA – Georgia lawmaker Matt Hatchett brought House Bill 910 back this week in the first move of 2026 toward legalizing sports betting statewide. The proposal initially surfaced last April but never advanced past committee. The bill now sits with the House Committee on Higher Education for review.
Up to 18 online sportsbooks could be licensed and regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation under the proposed legislation. A $100,000 non-refundable application fee and a $1.5 million yearly licensing charge would be required of operators wishing to enter the market. 25% of the adjusted gross revenue from all wagering activity would be taxed for legal sports betting firms.
License Distribution Framework
Georgia’s professional sports teams would be granted particular licenses under the proposed legislation. A license would be given to the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta United FC, and Atlanta Dream. The PGA Tour, Atlanta Motor Speedway, and Augusta National Golf Course would all receive permits as well. For organizations authorized by the National Steeplechase Association, there are two more permits.
A competitive public bidding process would be used to distribute the remaining seven licenses, with the Georgia Lottery Corporation holding one license itself.
HB 910’s approach to legalize without the need for a voter referendum or constitutional amendment is one noteworthy feature. The majority of prior attempts to open sportsbooks in Georgia have been on ballot initiatives that would allow citizens of the state to actively vote on the expansion of gambling. Legislators are still debating the best legal course of action as a result of this divergence in approach.
Going forward, the bill will confront significant obstacles. A House study group was established last year with the express purpose of looking into prospects for legalizing gambling throughout the state. The group produced a nine-page report following several months of meetings and deliberations, but it contained no recommendations in favor of or against the initiatives.
Rep. Marcus Wiedower’s resignation from the House this past October made things more challenging. Wiedower chaired the study committee during its review period and had been a prominent advocate for laws pertaining to sports betting.
Still, there are some positive signs. In a December report, a Senate tourism study committee said that Georgia might emulate North Carolina’s successful approach by using sports betting income to draw large athletic events. During the last Peach Bowl, Rep. Matt Reeves noted that despite millions of bets being placed on the game between Indiana and Oregon, two states with robust sports betting markets, Georgia lost out on potential revenue.
