Sports betting operators are increasing their political spending in states where lawmakers continue debating gambling expansion, including Georgia and Nebraska. In Georgia, a sports betting political action committee (PAC) has invested millions into state election races. This comes as legalization efforts remain stalled after multiple unsuccessful legislative attempts. Meanwhile, major sportsbook companies DraftKings and FanDuel are backing a proposed ballot initiative in Nebraska that would allow residents to place online sports bets.
Operators including bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel helped launch the “Win for America” super PAC, which has invested millions into Georgia state election races ahead of the 2026 cycle.
Most of the spending has gone toward Republican House and Senate candidates, though Democratic candidates have also received financial backing. The PAC has emerged as the largest independent contributor in Georgia’s current election cycle, underscoring how important the state has become for the sports betting industry.
Despite that push, Georgia lawmakers once again failed to pass sports betting legislation during this year’s session. A proposal that would have authorized up to 16 sportsbook licenses fell short in the House after bipartisan disagreements emerged over issues including tax revenue distribution. The measure also included a proposed 27.5% tax rate on sportsbook revenue and restrictions on collegiate prop betting.
Major sportsbook operators are investing heavily in a Nebraska ballot campaign aimed at bringing online sports betting to the state. The effort, organized through the “Tax Relief Nebraska” initiative, has raised millions of dollars as supporters work to place the issue before voters.
DraftKings and FanDuel have emerged as the largest financial supporters of the campaign, while BetMGM and Fanatics have also made contributions. Gambling-related interests have additionally donated to political campaigns tied to Nebraska elected officials, including Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers.
The proposal is being driven in part by Nebraska casino operators, including WarHorse Casinos, which support expanding the state’s existing retail sports betting market into mobile wagering. Supporters are currently gathering signatures for petitions needed to qualify the measure for the ballot.
Under Nebraska law, constitutional amendments require signatures from 10% of registered voters, while the accompanying statutory proposal requires support from 7% of voters. The plan is to collect far more than the minimum requirement in an effort to ensure the initiative survives any legal or verification challenges.
The increasing financial involvement from major sportsbook operators signals that Georgia and Nebraska are viewed as key expansion opportunities for the U.S. sports betting industry. By investing heavily in political campaigns, ballot initiatives, and lobbying efforts, top operators are attempting to build momentum for legalization efforts that have repeatedly faced obstacles.
In Georgia, increased political spending could help keep sports betting legislation at the forefront during future legislative sessions, particularly as supporters continue emphasizing potential tax revenue and consumer demand.
Nebraska’s situation is slightly different because supporters are pursuing a voter-driven ballot initiative rather than relying solely on lawmakers. Financial support from sportsbook companies can help fund signature collection efforts and advertising campaigns.
The investments also demonstrate how competitive the sports betting industry has become as operators look for new states to enter following legalization across much of the country. Companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel are positioning themselves early in hopes of securing market access if either state eventually approves online wagering.
