Alabama and Georgia still ban sports betting despite growing pressure
Alabama and Georgia remain two of the few US states without legal sports betting. Over the past five years, repeated attempts to change the law have failed. Both states have rejected proposals, leaving fans of major college football teams unable to place legal wagers.
Despite growing support in other conservative-leaning states, opposition from lawmakers continues to block progress. In Alabama, the latest push came in 2024 with bills HB 151 and HB 152. The Senate rejected a lottery-only version by a 20-15 vote. A 2026 constitutional amendment (SB 257) now faces weak support. The state also lacks a lottery, due to long-standing legislative resistance.
Georgia's situation is similar. On March 6, 2026, lawmakers rejected House Resolution 450 by a 98-63 vote. This marked the eighth straight failure to legalise betting. Under current law, sports betting remains a misdemeanour.
Nearby states have moved forward. Tennessee legalised mobile betting in 2019, while Kentucky approved full sportsbooks in 2023, launching operations in 2024. South Carolina, like Alabama and Georgia, still bans it. Opponents in both states cite moral concerns, fears over social costs, and doubts about tax revenue benefits.
The Sports Betting Alliance estimates Alabama could earn $90 million annually from legal sportsbooks. Georgia's potential revenue is even higher, at up to $150 million. Critics argue these figures are uncertain.
Donald Trump Jr., an advisor to prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi, has called the situation 'crazy.' He points out that fans of Alabama and Georgia's top college football teams should have legal betting options. His comments highlight the growing frustration among supporters of legalisation. For now, Alabama and Georgia show no signs of changing their stance. Legislative efforts keep failing, and opposition remains strong. Without new momentum, both states will continue missing out on potential tax revenue while neighbouring states expand their betting markets. The lack of action also means fans must travel out of state or use illegal options to place bets.
