The betting industry has unleashed a significant wave of capital into Georgia in hopes that the state will change its stance on betting legalisation.
The sports betting industry has unleashed a significant wave of capital into Georgia, in hopes that the state will change its stance on betting legalisation.
Political disclosures show more than $10m in campaign contributions and independent expenditures made by betting operators targeting the 2026 election cycle, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Betting operators are seeking to break a long-standing legislative deadlock to legalise mobile wagering across the state. This spending blitz has become one of the largest political spending events for legislative races in state history.
Major gambling firms such as FanDuel and DraftKings have contributed heavily, channelling their resources through political action committees (PACs).
These PACs donate money to sitting legislators and challenger candidates alike, with the objective of getting pro-betting candidates elected.
Georgia remains a significant battleground for the betting industry due to its being the most populous Southern state without legalised betting operations.
Previous attempts at legalising betting have always been unsuccessful in the General Assembly because of strong moral and religious opposition.
Constitutional provisions also make it difficult for proponents. Any effort will require a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
A public referendum would then follow for final approval. Operators hope this $10m investment will finally shift the legislative needle.
Legalising gambling would lead to significant tax revenues for the government. Proponents believe that these revenues would aid the HOPE scholarship programme funding college tuition for Georgia students.
Georgia is experiencing intense political polarisation. There is currently a race for control of the state legislature, and the lobbyists are appealing to both camps.
Analysts expect total spending to double by November.
Other states also show resistance
The spending in Georgia mirrors tactics used elsewhere in the country recently. Last year, the industry spent $15m in Alabama. That effort aimed to pass a comprehensive gaming and lottery package.
The Alabama bill ultimately died in the state senate, as opposition from local tribes and conservative groups proved too strong.
In Missouri, the industry spent upwards of $20m on a ballot initiative last autumn. That campaign faced intense scrutiny over its opaque funding sources.
Legal battles in Florida also occupied the industry’s attention over the past 12 months. The Seminole tribe continues to maintain its monopoly over the gaming market in Florida.
Various business interests have invested millions of dollars in an attempt to break this monopoly.
Las Vegas Sands is perhaps the most significant. It delivered between $23.5m and $48.9m in Texas lobbying compensation from 2015 to now.
That’s according to Transparency USA’s aggregation of Texas lobbying records, and does not include additional sources of contributions.
Texas lobbying records allow only a range estimate, not an exact total, because lobbyist compensation is disclosed in compensation bands. Therefore, the exact figure is difficult to ascertain.
Spending in Georgia is expected to intensify as the primary season approaches, and professional sports teams in Atlanta also support the push. They view betting as a way to increase fan engagement and revenue.
The Braves, Falcons and Hawks have all lobbied for the change. The $10m figure is likely just a starting point for the year.