Georgia‘s ongoing argument about sports betting has popped up again, as a well-known bill came back to the legislature when the 2026 session began. House Bill 910, which Representative Matt Hatchett first brought up in 2025, is now in front of lawmakers after it got stuck last year. The bill has moved to the House Second Readers stage and is waiting for the Higher Education Committee to look at it further.
Georgia Bill Outlines Digital-Only Sports Betting Plan Under Lottery Oversight
The bill sets up a plan for online sports betting across Georgia, with the Georgia Lottery Corporation in charge of all regulation. The proposal would allow the lottery to give licenses to up to 18 operators, who would offer betting through digital platforms. The plan does not allow for any physical betting places, casinos, or racetracks. People who back this law say its structure fits with current lottery rules in state law. This means they do not need to change the constitution or hold a statewide vote.
If passed, HB 910 would make it expensive to start operating. People wanting to apply would need to pay $100,000 upfront, which they cannot get back. Then, every year, they would have to shell out $1.5 million to keep their license.
On top of that, licensed sportsbooks would give up 25% of their adjusted gross revenue in taxes. The bill sets aside some licenses for sports groups based in Georgia. This includes professional teams, big golf organizations, the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and groups that get the nod from the National Steeplechase Association. The lottery would handle giving out the rest of the licenses through a competitive process.
Education Funding and Event Competition Drive Renewed Talk on Georgia Betting Bill
The bill comes as Georgia stands out as one of the biggest US states without legal sports betting, while nearby areas keep growing their regulated gambling. Market watchers point out that Missouri joined in late 2025, leaving Georgia as one of the few major places still to take action. Those pushing for making it legal say it could bring in billions to help fund education through the lottery. They look at other states that already use money from betting to boost public funds.
Still, the push for gambling faces political roadblocks. In recent years, several bills did not make it far, including ones that aimed to let voters decide. Things got trickier when Representative Marcus Wiedower left – he had been key in earlier gambling laws and committee work. Last year, a House study group wrote up a report on expanding gaming, but did not suggest what to do next. This added to the feeling that lawmakers were stuck in a rut.
Even so, some lawmakers think the discussion is changing. A Senate group focused on tourism suggested that online betting could help Georgia compete to host big sports events and concerts. They pointed to other states that have used money from gambling to attract well-known events. It is not clear if this new interest will lead to real changes in the law, but HB 910 makes sure the debate will keep going until at least 2026.