Will Georgia Get Legal Sports Betting?

Stacey Abrams is running for governor of Georgia against Brian Kemp. Abrams supports sports betting and casino gaming. Kemp has opposed both. Governor Kemp is neutral on sports wagering. He will work with legislative leadership to determine the best path forward.

Interest in the Georgia governor's race is high. Early voting began Monday. There is also a key U.S. Senate race. Georgia will get legal sports betting. The election is on November 8.

Tennessee is the only state bordering Georgia that allows mobile sports betting. Georgia's legislative session starts in January. A 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll shows 58% of Georgians support legalized sports gambling. If gaming is legalized in Georgia, it would need a public vote in 2024. The issue was a sticking point last year. It was because some Georgian's wanted to keep the gaming tax revenue for education. They wanted it for need-based programs. If it's legalized, the tax would be used for HOPE scholarships and Pre-K education based on need rather than merit.

Sports betting is legal in 31 states and Washington, D.C. It is not yet operational in five more states. Sports betting in the Southeastern Conference is only legal for Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Georgia is the eighth largest state in America and home to a top SEC school, the University of Georgia.

FanDuel has one of its three U.S. offices in Atlanta. FanDuell also has offices in New York City and Los Angeles. The company plans to add 900 employees in five years at its Atlanta tech hub.