by
Not long ago, Georgia was a red as can be state. Demographics have changed though, and the state is now considered a “battleground.” Welp, in the 2026 midterms, that battle was easily won by the Democrats.
In the governors race, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms easily trounced Republican Rick Jackson. Democrats also flipped the the Georgia House of Representatives in their favor. Republicans still hold majority in the Senate, but that’s it — they had control of all three beforehand.
With the new incoming leadership, it’s almost a guarantee that legalizing betting in Georgia will be on the agenda. Whether it passes or not is to be determined, but the governor-elect Bottoms has made it clear: she wants to legalize it. Keep on reading and we’ll forecast the big, big changes that could be on the horizon for Georgia in terms of betting!
Bottoms Wants Casino Money To Pay For Education
Bottoms made some big promises on education during the campaign trail. She wants every four-year-old in Georgia to have access to pre-K, wants full-day kindergarten, and wants to address college affordability. All fine and dandy things, but how the heck are you gonna pay for it all?
Casinos and sports betting apps, that’s how. Her campaign’s education plan estimates they could generate $300 million to $500 million a year for the state from taxing betting. That’s not to say all of it will go toward Bottom’s education initiatives, but at least a pretty hefty chunk of it.
Mind you, this is pretty much what every state that does have legalized betting already does. Almost all of them funnel the majority of tax revenues into education.
And technically, Georgia does too. The Georgia Lottery helps pay for the HOPE scholarship program and pre-K. But… that’s peanuts compared to the taxes they can raise with a casino and sportsbook one-two punch, especially in a sports-crazed state like Georgia.
Bottoms is a complete 180 from the outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp, who declined to endorse efforts to legalize casinos and sports betting. In fact, she actually campaigned on letting voters decide whether casinos should be allowed.
“Funding this promise starts with giving Georgia voters the final say,” Bottoms said earlier this year.
But… getting that question in front of them takes more than the governor wanting it. We’ll explain what it’ll take to make Georgia a legalized betting state.
Legalizing Gambling Still Has Plenty Of Roadblocks
Bottoms won the election, but… she didn’t win the power to open casinos all on her own. Actually, Georgia’s constitution prohibits casino gambling, and changing that requires two-thirds support in both legislative chambers, followed by approval from voters. So there are a few more elections to win here if it’s gonna happen.
The Senate is the obvious hurdle. Republicans still hold a four-seat majority, meaning Democrats can’t get an amendment through without Republican votes. Even in the newly Democratic House, controlling the chamber isn’t the same as having the two-thirds needed to put gambling on the ballot.
And the opposition isn’t packing up just because the governor’s office changed hands. The Georgia Baptist Mission Board, Faith and Freedom Coalition and Moms Against Gambling have all fought expansion. Their argument is that the tax revenue doesn’t make up for addiction, financial losses, and the effects on families. And no doubt, the opposition groups are in the ears of Republicans who they donate to.
But speaking of Republicans, they actually haven’t been the only obstacle in past sessions. Gambling efforts have repeatedly stalled over disagreements with Democrats about where the proceeds should go. Agreeing to legalize is one thing. Agreeing on who gets the money is another. Who’s to say everyone is on board with Bottoms education plans?
Not only that, we don’t even know Bottoms plans outside of where the money goes. Her campaign and agenda were mum on crucial details like how many casinos or sportsbooks would get licensed, where they’d be located, and if online gaming would be allowed. These variables will affect how big or how not big the industry can eventually grow to.
A Billion-Dollar Casino Idea Is Already Waiting
While lawmakers will get to debate whether casinos belong in Georgia, EchoPark Speedway in Henry County already has an idea for where one could go. The facility wants a casino-centered resort with attractions, retail, and housing. General manager Brandon Hutchison says the renderings amount to a billion dollars in investment (plus 4,000 to 5,000 construction jobs and roughly 2,500 ongoing jobs).
That puts the attention back on Atlanta, where lawmakers return for the next legislative session in January 2027. They’ll have to work through the details we mentioned before getting a casino amendment to voters. Gambling-policy reporter Ryan Butler has floated 2028 as a possible ballot timeline, but that’s just his best guess.
A lot has to be worked through, yes, but having Bottoms behind the idea will surely create momentum — something the state has lacked for years on the betting front. That’s why we’re bullish it gets through the finish line during her tenure, but in what capacity is the big unanswered question.
Online betting sites 