Georgia legislators have reopened the long-running debate over legalized gambling, with a newly formed House study committee holding its first meeting this week in Watkinsville. The bipartisan panel aims to evaluate the risks and rewards of expanding gambling in the state, including casinos, online sports betting, and horse racing.
The group is tasked with delivering recommendations to the General Assembly by December 1—a tight timeline that could set the stage for a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot.
Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, a longtime supporter of expanded gambling, joked about the length of the discussion, quipping, “We’ve been talking about this issue since my hair was black.”
Jobs, Revenue, and a Casino Next to Atlanta Motor Speedway?
Supporters point to potential economic gains, with major projects like a proposed casino resort near the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ed Clark, president of EchoPark Speedway, told lawmakers the development could create up to 6,000 jobs—half during construction, the rest permanent.
“This is an opportunity for people to work closer to home with good pay,” Clark said. The resort would include a hotel, convention center, entertainment venues, and restaurants—positioned as a regional economic engine.
Past proposals envisioned six casino locations across the state, with an estimated $2 billion economic impact and up to $500 million in annual tax revenue.
Critics Warn of High Social Costs
Opponents, though, caution that those numbers don’t reflect the human cost. Mike Griffin of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board said gambling leads to spikes in addiction, crime, and bankruptcy.
“For every dollar in revenue, it could cost taxpayers $3 to $5 to fix the damage,” Griffin said, also linking gambling to deeper social issues like sex trafficking and suicide.
Who Decides—Lawmakers or Voters?
Tensions also surfaced over the role of government. “I don’t think the legislature should be legislating morality,” Clark said, calling for a public vote to decide the issue. He referenced a GOP primary straw poll that showed strong voter support for a referendum.
But Paul Smith of Citizen Impact countered that referendums could be swayed by big-money lobbying campaigns, distorting public opinion.
Sports Betting Proposal Still on the Table
Committee Chair Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, has introduced a resolution to legalize sports betting, complete with a licensing framework and a 24% tax rate. He stressed the goal is regulation—not expansion.
“My effort is not to encourage, but to put guardrails around things already happening in this state,” Wiedower said.
Where Would the Money Go?
Lawmakers are also debating where gambling tax revenue should be directed. Ideas range from filling gaps caused by federal spending cuts to funding healthcare or education, much like the state lottery supports HOPE and pre-K programs.
Rep. Yasmin Neal, D-Jonesboro, argued the state should find ways to redirect gambling money that’s already flowing under the radar. Others echoed that sentiment, saying informal betting is widespread and unregulated.
Rep. Alan Powell summed it up bluntly: “There’s a lot of evils in this world—people like to gamble.”
What’s Next?
The committee plans several more meetings this fall, with upcoming sessions set to explore sports betting and horse racing. The next meeting is expected before the end of August.
If lawmakers push for a constitutional amendment, it could represent the biggest shift in Georgia’s gambling laws since the lottery’s creation. The countdown to December 1 has begun.
