Georgia committee hears first hearings on constitutional amendment and enabling bill to legalize online sports betting

Chairman Weidower opened a first hearing on proposed changes that would legalize online-only sports betting in Georgia if voters approve a constitutional amendment in 2026 and the Legislature later enacts implementing law.

"This House Resolution 450 would be introducing a constitutional amendment that simply would put a question on the ballot in 2026, asking Georgians whether or not they want to legalize online sports betting only," Chairman Weidower said, summarizing the pair of measures the committee heard together: HR 450 (the amendment) and HB 686 (the enabling statute).

Why it matters: The resolution would ask voters to permit online sports wagering and direct revenue to education; the enabling bill lays out licensing, taxes, consumer-protection rules and criminal and administrative penalties the Georgia Lottery Corporation and regulators would use if the ballot measure passes. Committee members heard roughly equal portions of organized opposition and support during a late-evening hearing.

What the bills would do (as described at the hearing) - HR 450 would put a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to authorize online sports betting only (no brick-and-mortar casinos, kiosks, parimutuel horse wagering or other in-person gambling expansion), and dedicate revenue to pre-K and HOPE scholarships. Representative Weidower told the committee the amendment pairs with HB 686 so voters and legislators understand the intended implementation. - HB 686 would designate the Georgia…