Could legal Georgia sports betting drive tax revenue spike?

Summary

Testimony at the Georgia House Study Committee on Gaming’s second hearing outlined projections that legal sports betting could deliver more than $100m a year in tax revenue for the state, with proponents pointing to North Carolina’s early results as a template. Industry witnesses and policy experts also discussed the potential for destination casino resorts, thousands of jobs and major development spending if gambling expansion is approved by voters in 2026.

The committee heard a range of views: former North Carolina Rep. Jason Saine and industry groups argued tax receipts could exceed official estimates, while casino companies described the market conditions they want before investing. Any change must overcome a constitutional ban on gambling in Georgia — meaning a two-thirds legislative majority and a statewide referendum would likely be required.

Key Points

Witnesses suggested Georgia could generate over $100m in annual tax revenue from sports betting in year one, with some industry estimates higher (up to $154m or more depending on tax rate).
Rep. Marcus Wiedower’s HB 686 (carried over) proposes 16 online licences and a 24% tax rate; other suggestions have included rates around 17–18%.
North Carolina was cited as a success story — it made $116m in year one, above projections — and Georgia has a similar population size (~10.8m).
Polling (UGA/Metro Atlanta Chamber) from Dec 2024 showed 63% public support for legal sports betting; industry members urged lawmakers to let voters decide in 2026.
Major casino operators (Wynn, Bally’s, Boyd, others) signalled serious interest, noting potential for billion-dollar resorts, thousands of jobs and significant development investment.
Legalisation faces constitutional hurdles and partisan politics; prior attempts over five sessions have stalled or been entwined in broader legislative battles.
Supporters argue legalising betting channels activity from the illegal market, provides funds for treatment and public programmes, and improves monitoring of wagering activity.

Context and relevance

Georgia is at a crossroads: a high-population Southern state within striking distance of peers that have introduced regulated sports betting. The debate ties together revenue needs, economic development (resort casinos and jobs), public health funding and constitutional process. For policymakers and industry, the key variables are tax rate, licence structure and whether voters will approve a constitutional amendment — all of which determine how attractive Georgia becomes to operators and how big the fiscal prize might be.

Why should I read this?

Short version — this could be a big deal for Georgia’s budget and for anyone tracking US gambling expansion. If you care about state revenues, regional market shifts or where major casino groups might spend billions, this saves you time: the article sums up the numbers, the politics and who’s lining up to invest. Worth a skim if you’re watching the US sports-betting rollout or local economic plans.