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Critical Vote Expected Today on Georgia’s Dual Sports Betting Bills

March 5, 2025

Later today, the Georgia House Education Committee is expected to vote on two sports betting bills: HB 686 (enabling legislation) and HR 450 (constitutional referendum).

These bills are the result of extensive negotiations and compromise among lawmakers. We anticipate the votes are there for committee passage, after which the bills must clear the full House by Thursday’s “cross-over” deadline to move to the Senate.

Key details of HB 686:

  • Up to 16 mobile licenses (Type 1/Master Licensees):
    • 1 for the state lottery
    • 5 for professional sports teams
    • 1 for Augusta National Golf Course
    • 1 for the PGA Tour
    • 1 for Atlanta Motor Speedway
    • 7 awarded via public bidding to online operators
  • Fees:
    • $100K application fee + $1M annual license fee for Type 1/Master Licensees
    • $10K application fee + $1M annual license fee for service providers
  • 20% tax rate (no promotional deductions)
  • Collegiate prop betting prohibited
  • Requires a constitutional referendum (to appear on the November 2026 ballot)

Related States

Georgia