Georgia Weighs Future of Sports Betting
Georgia lawmakers and public stakeholders met in Savannah this week as part of the House Study Committee’s ongoing review into whether to legalize sports betting and gambling.
There is no legal Georgia sports betting market, as the state remains one of the few in the U.S. without legalized gambling in any form, prompting debate over the economic benefits and potential social risks of expanding gaming. Economists, industry leaders, and policymakers gathered to discuss how neighboring states have utilized gambling revenue to enhance tourism and bolster state coffers.
Some were strongly in favor of legalization. Brad R. Humpherys, a professor of economics, highlighted the outflow of money from Georgia due to residents traveling across state lines to place bets. Former Kentucky State Senator Damon Thayer made a case for horse racing in particular, noting its potential compatibility with Georgia’s rural economy, citing Kentucky’s $6.5 billion annual economic impact from the horse industry.
However, not all voices were in favor. Jeanne Seaver, President and Founder of Moms Against Gambling, warned of the long-term consequences, especially for youth.
“Gambling is harmful, but sports betting is the most dangerous to our kids. Gambling expansion will forever change Georgia, and it’s something we can’t go back on.”
The Savannah meeting is part of a broader series of public hearings scheduled across Georgia, as legislators continue to weigh the financial benefits against potential harm to residents.
Kansas lawmakers reconsider model
Meanwhile, lawmakers overseeing Kansas sports betting apps, where sports betting has been legal since 2022, face different concerns. Despite more than $2.7 billion in wagers during the 2025 fiscal year, the state retained just $17 million in revenue, approximately 0.6%, prompting scrutiny over the state’s tax structure.
At a recent hearing in Topeka, Rep. Francis Awerkamp expressed frustration over Kansas’ return on gambling activity, stating that it has been a failure.
The state taxes both online and retail sports betting at a flat rate of 10%, placing Kansas near the bottom nationally in terms of revenue generated per dollar wagered. In comparison, states like New York and Rhode Island levy tax rates above 50%.
Contract renewals with sportsbook operators, including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and others, are set to expire in August 2027. Legislators are now debating whether to modify existing agreements or implement new policies, such as separating sportsbooks from real-money online casinos.
Kansas residents' attitudes toward gambling are also shifting. A recent statewide survey showed an increase in both participation and signs of problem gambling. The percentage of adults who gambled in the past month rose from 19% in 2017 to 34% in 2025. The number of Kansans at moderate or high risk for gambling problems more than tripled during the same period.
