The Georgia legislature is once again debating mobile sports betting in 2026, with HB 910 emerging as the most viable path yet. The bill would legalize mobile sports wagering under the Georgia Lottery Corporation, sidestepping the constitutional amendment hurdle that has killed every prior legalization push since 2019.
HB 910 cleared its first committee hearing in February 2026 and is currently scheduled for a House floor vote in early June. If passed and signed, mobile sports betting could go live in Georgia by Q1 2027 — making it the 32nd state to offer legal online sportsbooks.
What HB 910 Actually Does
The bill grants exclusive sports wagering authority to the Georgia Lottery Corporation, which would then license up to nine mobile sportsbook operators. The lottery itself would not operate a sportsbook — instead, licensed private operators (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, and others) would pay license fees and tax revenue to the state.
Key bill provisions:
- Up to nine mobile sportsbook licenses
- 20% tax rate on adjusted gross revenue
- $100,000 license application fee, $1 million annual renewal
- Mobile only — no retail sportsbooks at first
- Mandatory 1% problem gambling fund contribution
- Age 21+ minimum, in-state geolocation required
For context on how state-by-state markets compare, our US sports betting guide tracks every state's current legal status, tax rates, and license structures.
Why the Lottery Path Matters
Every prior Georgia sports betting bill has required a constitutional amendment because state law has historically grouped sports betting with casino gambling. A constitutional amendment needs two-thirds support in both chambers plus a statewide voter referendum — a much higher bar than ordinary legislation.
HB 910's sponsors argue that sports betting can be authorized under the lottery's existing constitutional authority, eliminating the need for an amendment. Legal scholars are split on whether this interpretation will survive a court challenge, but several other states (Tennessee, Virginia, D.C.) have used similar lottery-authority frameworks successfully.
The Political Landscape
Governor Brian Kemp has not yet taken a public position on HB 910, but his office has signaled openness to revenue-generating bills ahead of the 2026 budget cycle. The Lieutenant Governor's office has been quietly supportive, and Speaker Jon Burns publicly committed to allowing a floor vote this session.
Opposition is concentrated in two camps: religious groups citing gambling expansion concerns, and rival proposals that would tie sports betting to a broader casino/gambling expansion package. The competing casino bill, SB 386, includes both sports betting and three commercial casino licenses but lacks the votes to pass.
Operator Positioning
DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars have all retained Georgia lobbying firms ahead of the 2026 session. Industry sources estimate combined operator spending on the Georgia legalization push exceeds $4 million this year, the largest pre-launch market investment since New York legalized in 2022.
If you want a head-to-head comparison of the major operators that would likely enter Georgia, our reviews of DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM cover their app quality, promo structures, and Georgia-specific launch readiness.
Revenue Projections
The Georgia House Fiscal Office projects HB 910 would generate $90-130 million in annual tax revenue once the market matures (year 3+). Year 1 revenue is projected at $35-50 million, reflecting normal market ramp-up.
By comparison:
- Tennessee (similar lottery model): $107M tax revenue in 2024
- Virginia: $87M tax revenue in 2024
- North Carolina (launched 2024): $145M tax revenue in first full year
Georgia's larger population (10.9 million) and football culture suggest the higher end of those benchmarks is realistic once the market matures.
Timeline if Passed
Assuming HB 910 passes by mid-June and is signed by Kemp:
- July–September 2026: Georgia Lottery drafts rules and regulations
- October–December 2026: License applications open and reviewed
- Q1 2027: First operators launch mobile apps
- Year 1 estimate: 5-6 operators live by end of 2027
The launch timeline assumes no constitutional challenge — which is the most plausible obstacle even if HB 910 passes.
How HB 910 Compares to Other States
Compared to most established markets, Georgia's framework would be moderate. The 20% tax rate is in line with Pennsylvania (36%) being highest, and Nevada (6.75%) being lowest. Nine operator licenses is a competitive count — Michigan has 15, Illinois has 8, Ohio launched with 25.
What Bettors Should Expect
If Georgia launches in early 2027, expect:
- $1,500-$2,500 sign-up bonuses across major operators during launch month
- Heavy NFL and SEC football promo focus
- Same-game parlay menus matching what's offered in Tennessee and Virginia
- Mobile-only access — no retail sportsbooks initially
Where the Opposition Stands
The Georgia Baptist Convention has been the most vocal organized opponent of HB 910, citing concerns about gambling expansion and problem gambling impacts. Several conservative think tanks have also opposed the bill on free-market grounds, arguing the nine-license cap creates an artificial oligopoly.
Counter to these positions, the Georgia Lottery itself has signaled willingness to administer the program, and the state's largest Chamber of Commerce affiliates have supported the bill as economic development. The Atlanta business community has been particularly supportive, viewing legal sports betting as a complement to professional sports investment in the state.
The Constitutional Challenge Risk
Even if HB 910 passes and is signed, anti-gambling groups have signaled they will file a state constitutional challenge arguing the lottery framework violates the Georgia constitution's prohibition on most forms of gambling. Legal scholars give such a challenge roughly even odds of succeeding, which is why timeline projections for actual operator launch remain dependent on judicial review.
FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Georgia right now?
No. As of May 2026, Georgia does not permit any form of legal sports wagering. HB 910 is the active bill that would change that.
When will HB 910 be voted on?
A House floor vote is scheduled for early June 2026. If passed, the bill moves to the Senate before reaching Governor Kemp's desk.
Will Georgia have retail sportsbooks?
No. HB 910 authorizes mobile sportsbooks only. Retail sportsbooks at venues like stadiums or restaurants would require separate legislation.
What tax rate does HB 910 set?
20% on adjusted gross revenue, which is in line with most established U.S. sports betting markets. Operators would also pay a $100,000 license application fee and $1 million annual renewal.
Final Thoughts
HB 910 is the most realistic Georgia sports betting bill in years, and its lottery-based framework could finally clear the long-standing constitutional hurdle. For the latest legalization tracker and operator news, follow our latest articles and check back as the House vote approaches.
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