Trump Jr. Calls for Legal Sports Betting in Georgia and Alabama

Responding to a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President, said he supports Georgia and Alabama legalizing sports betting, explaining that it is “crazy” these states’ residents cannot wager on a top 20 primetime showdown between their premier football programs.

Trump Jr. Supports Sports Betting in Georgia and Alabama

Although Trump Jr. didn’t specify whether he intends to advocate for reform himself, his comment comes amid his increasing engagement with prediction markets. It underscores the rising debate over sports betting in Georgia, where many residents rely on online sportsbooks in the absence of state-regulated options. A similar situation exists in Alabama, even as most of the SEC region has already moved toward legalized betting markets.

Georgia and Alabama are two of about a dozen states that have yet to legalize retail or online sports betting. Alabama, in particular, lacks even a state lottery, with legislators consistently blocking efforts to establish one. Trump Jr. expressed the view that this status quo needs to change without delay.

It’s unclear whether Trump Jr.’s comment reflects a casual opinion or hints at future advocacy. However, his unique position at the intersection of politics, venture capital, and prediction markets makes his perspective especially noteworthy. It should be noted that the President’s son is quite deep in the prediction markets industry. Recently, he was even appointed to Polymarket’s advisory board just as investment firm 1789 Capital poured a lot of resources into the prediction markets provider.

Georgia Inches Toward Sports Betting Legalization

While sports betting remains illegal in Georgia and Alabama, the former seems to be at least walking forward to legalizing it. Gaming advocates in Georgia are hopeful that 2026 could finally bring meaningful change, even after numerous failed efforts in the past. Lawmakers have either resisted the legalization of online sports betting and casinos or struggled with the constitutional hurdles that require voter approval for such changes.

Earlier this year, state legislators formed the House Study Committee on Gaming to explore the issue further. The PGA Tour has since expressed its support for legal sports betting. With Georgia currently limited to a state lottery, the potential for significant tax revenue could make expanded gaming increasingly difficult for lawmakers to ignore.

Some gambling companies have already expressed interest in investing in the state. For example, recently, the head of development at Wynn Resorts said Georgia presents a prime opportunity for establishing a world-class casino resort.

While many facets of gambling remain illegal in Georgia and Alabama, it doesn’t mean residents of Georgia and Alabama are shut out of prediction markets offering contracts on sports outcomes. For example, Kalshi (Trump Jr. is on that company’s advisory board as well) is federally regulated and operates legally in all 50 states, allowing users to participate regardless of local sports betting laws.