Published on: August 26, 2025, 08:18h.
Updated on: August 26, 2025, 08:18h.
- The PGA Tour endorses the legalization of sports betting in Georgia
- Georgia plays a crucial role in the PGA Tour’s yearly activities
PGA Tour officials, speaking before the House Study Committee on Gaming in Georgia on Monday, advocated for the legalization of sports betting in the state.
This legislative offseason, the House Gaming Study Committee, established through House Resolution 753 earlier this year, is examining various elements of the commercial gaming sector. After a series of hearings over the summer and fall, the committee will advise the General Assembly on potential gambling types to consider in the 2026 legislative session.
The committee convened for its second meeting on Monday at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, where the PGA Tour was invited to share its perspective on the state possibly joining the 39 others that have approved some form of legal sports wagering.
Scott Warfield, the PGA Tour’s vice president of gaming, expressed strong support for legalized sports wagering, emphasizing its benefits to fan engagement, tournament attendance, and TV ratings.
Upcoming Opportunities: Sports Betting
During his testimony, Warfield, a former NASCAR gaming lead, pointed out that lawfully sanctioned sports betting is advantageous for both sports leagues and the states that adopt it.
“Implementing legal mobile sports betting is beneficial for Georgia and its residents. It offers enhanced oversight and consumer protections, safeguarding the integrity of our sport and supporting millions of fans,” Warfield stated.
“If executed properly, this legalized activity fosters stronger connections with our core fans while also attracting new audiences,” Warfield added. “Sports betting already exists in Georgia—we merely lack the ability to regulate it and, consequently, to tax it.”
Warfield’s remarks underscored that legal sports betting is already active in various neighboring states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida.
Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell) inquired about the financial benefits for leagues and teams from legalized sports wagering.
“What’s the incentive for sports teams? What profits do you gain from it? In this realm, there’s usually no altruistic involvement,” Powell questioned.
Joe Pierce, the senior vice president and general counsel for AMB Sports and Entertainment, which encompasses the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, MLS’s Atlanta United, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium—owned by Home Depot billionaire Arthur Morris Blank—explained that teams can benefit from legal sports betting in several ways.
Pierce elaborated that one significant advantage for teams is forming sponsorship agreements with licensed sports betting companies. Additionally, leagues and sports organizations often establish revenue-sharing agreements with sportsbooks to secure their official data streams.
Golfing in Georgia
Few states have as significant an impact on the PGA Tour and overall golfing as Georgia.
The prestigious Augusta National Golf Club hosts one of golf’s four grand professional tournaments annually—the Masters—in April. Furthermore, the Tour Championship is held at East Lake Golf Club, which recently concluded with an exhilarating win by Tommy Fleetwood.
Georgia is also home to the RSM Classic, taking place on St. Simons Island each November.