The effort to legalise online sports betting in Georgia is set to continue as legislators convene in Atlanta for the 2026 session this week. Since 2021, attempts to bring sports betting and gambling into the legal framework of the Peach State have repeatedly failed.

Currently, Georgia stands as the third-largest state by population without any form of legal sports betting, following California and Texas. The 2026 legislative session commences on Tuesday. Debates surrounding sports betting in Georgia generally align with traditional viewpoints.

Advocates highlight the potential increase in tax revenue and emphasize the need for regulated sports betting options for individuals who are currently placing bets through illegal channels or unregulated offshore sites. This year marks a significant development, as sports event contracts can now be legally traded through various prediction markets in Georgia.

Platforms such as Kalshi, DraftKings Predictions, Fanatics Market, and Polymarket (on a limited basis) are available for residents aged 18 and older.

Additionally, sweepstakes platforms like Novig and ProphetX provide the option for sports event trades using “Gold Coins,” which can later be converted into cash. On Kalshi, sports event contracts account for as much as 90% of transaction volume. Notably, no state, including Georgia, is currently collecting tax revenue from these operators.