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Despite a string of failed bills that would have legalized sports betting in a number of states this year, major sportsbooks remain confident in expansion and have opened their wallets ahead of the 2026 election season.
Currently, just 11 states have failed to legalize sports betting. In those states, and others with sports betting markets, prediction markets have moved in to fill the void.
Major sportsbook operators are targeting Georgia and Nebraska as the most likely states to usher in sports betting in the coming year.
Georgia on their minds
The Peach State fell just short of passing sports betting legislation once again last session, as HR 450 failed to reach the Senate after a 98-63 House vote. That failed vote featured an interesting wrinkle, however, as co-sponsor Rep. Al Williams did not support the legislation.
Williams cited his decision to vote against the bill based on being boxed out of discussions on where the increased tax revenue would be allocated. He actively lobbied against the legislation on the House floor, contributing to its failure.
Despite HR 450 dying in the House, sports betting platforms are pouring cash into Georgia elections. Industry giants DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and bet365 joined forces to form the Win for America PAC, which has already spent $9.5 million in Georgia’s statewide races prior to the November election.
Win for America PAC targets a group of states
Win for America is not just focused on Georgia, though. The PAC has spent over $20 million in a handful of states, including Texas, Alabama, Illinois, North Carolina, and Ohio.
The PAC has an additional 15 states in its sights for future investment.
The PAC’s aim is not strictly limited to legalization efforts; it is also actively lobbying against the recent push to increase regulation and taxation on the industry.
Sportsbooks back ballot effort in Nebraska
Like Georgia, Nebraska is receiving attention – and investment – from some of the sports betting industry’s largest companies. Both DraftKings and FanDuel have dedicated millions of dollars to Tax Relief Nebraska, a ballot initiative to bring online sports betting to the Cornhusker State. Nebraska currently allows just in-person betting.
DraftKings and FanDuel have contributed $2.6 million to the effort, with BetMGM and Fanatics chipping in $250,000 and $75,000, respectively.
The petition requires 10% of registered voters in the state to sign on. It has been spearheaded by WarHorse Casinos, Nebraska’s largest casino and sportsbook. WarHorse CEO Lance Morgan has committed to garnering at least 300,000 signatures to get the measure on the ballot for 2026.
