There’s been strife over the years to bring casinos and horse tracks to Georgia, but a bill to legalize online sports betting could provide a path to legal wagering in the Peach State. Georgia Gambling Laws – Key Statutes and Legal Timeline. While the history of gambling goes way back to the Southern Lotteries of the 1840’s – more recent legislation has been almost completely anti-gambling. The State code criminalizes the act of betting and owning a ‘gambling device’ even if that device has never been used for gambling.

An Overview of Gambling Laws in the State Of Georgia

Georgia is not a gambling-friendly State – in fact on a scale of restrictions and punishments for those organizing the games, this State sits just behind Utah and Hawaii in the ‘Least Gambling-Friendly State’ league. Residents do have a lottery, and can gamble on charity bingo games or even enter poker leagues with no player buy-ins. For casino or betting Georgians will either need to cross State borders or go out to see on one of two Casino cruises that operate in International waters off of the coast. This guide to Georgia gambling laws has all the information you need.

First below, you will find a quick-fire history of the gambling legislation of Georgia. On this page is will read more like a chronology of when things were banned than anything else. After that there is a game-by-game guide, which outlines the different options for different forms of gambling. Next you will find a timeline and snippets from the current legislation – followed by a summary and look into the future at the bottom of this page.

Georgia Gambling Laws – A Brief History

This has always been a conservative State, and the history of gambling is one of crack-downs and reigning in of unlicensed operators. The first gambling was from the heyday of Southern lotteries which were in the 1800’s – lead by southern neighbor Louisiana. In 1878 Georgia passed a law banning the sale of lottery tickets, and it would be more than 100 years before a modern State lottery was set up – the first draw taking place in 1993.

While many surrounding States legalized horse and / or greyhound race betting via pooled or Pari-Mutuel machines – Georgia stood firm. It would be 1976 before the first limited carve-out was instigated. This was for charity bingo and raffles – and is tightly licensed even today.

What you will find in this State is a history of residents finding a way to gamble regardless of what the State does. This included online gambling and poker, which like in many States is not specifically banned – but is assumed to come under the wide anti-gambling remit of the State. There have also been some more creative efforts.

The most successful of these are ‘cruises to nowhere’ which take place from the Georgia coast. You get into a ship, sail out to international waters – where you can legally gamble. There are currently 2 such boats operating.

After South Carolina banned Video Poker machines – a flood of these devices found their way to Georgia. A loophole in the law involving payouts via tickets meant that they were legal – at least in the opinion of the operators. The government lost no time on this one, pushing through some legislation which made the machines completely illegal in 2002.

Like in other States, internet cafes have appeared which are used as quasi-casinos. These underground establishments provide gambling to a lot of people. In 2011 they caught the eye of the State prosecutors – who have been busy cracking down on them ever since.

With the Republican senate voting (narrowly) in 2012 to establish a casino which would pay for education, there is some hope for the future. That particular bill was not signed, though there is hope for both casino and horse racing over the next few years. The consensus among experts is that internet gambling is not on the cards any time soon.

An Overview of Which Gambling Games Are Legal

Casino Games: No, though there is some hope on this front with a small majority of Republican senators in Georgia voting to allow a casino to be built – with profits funding the community college program. This was put on hold by Governor Nathan Deal, who said a bigger majority was needed. You can enjoy casino cruises from Georgia which sail out to international waters in order to host gambling games.

Online Casinos: No, there is nothing explicitly banning internet gambling in Georgia, however the general definitions of bets and gambling devices are wide enough that it is assumed they cover this.

Live Poker: No, you can‘t play poker for money, however there are bar poker free-entry games and leagues where prizes can be won without having to pay an entry fee. The bars add the prizes, and make their money back from the additional drinkers in their bars.

Online Poker: No, it is not expected that Georgia will join the list of States regulating online poker at any point soon.

Sports Betting: No, unlike other States there is not even pari-mutuel horse and dog racing allowed. Since this kind of racing can‘t take place on boats the only options are to travel West to Arkansas or South to Florida.

Lottery Betting: Yes, there has been a lottery since 1992, which has proven to be very popular among residents.

Bingo Games: Yes, charity bingo games and raffles are permitted in Georgia.

Georgia Gambling Laws – Key Statutes and Legal Timeline

While the history of gambling goes way back to the Southern Lotteries of the 1840’s – more recent legislation has been almost completely anti-gambling. The State code criminalizes the act of betting and owning a ‘gambling device’ even if that device has never been used for gambling.

Here are the key parts of the current State legislation:

[su_quote cite=”Chapter 16-12-20″ url=”http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-16/chapter-12/article-2/part-1/16-12-20″]”Bet” means an agreement that, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value…[/su_quote]

This is the very strict part covering Gambling Devices:

[su_quote]Any contrivance which for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain money or other thing of value, the award of which is determined by chance even though accompanied by some skill, whether or not the prize is automatically paid by contrivance;[/su_quote] (the code goes on to mention specific machines)

The one silver-lining in an otherwise extremely tough anti-gambling code is that the individual players caught gambling are only guilty of a misdemeanor. Those organizing or earning money from illegal gambling activity are treated far more harshly.

Here is a timeline of key gambling legislation events in Georgia:

1976: A constitutional amendment legalizes Bingo for non-profit organizations with strictly limited terms and prizes not exceeding $1500 per day or $3000 per week.

1992: Georgia Lottery created, with the first draw taking place on June the 39th 1993. Profits from this are used to enhance education funding in the State.

2000: Legal loophole sees the proliferation of Video Poker machines throughout the State, this is abruptly closed in 2002.

2011: Crackdown on Internet cafes which were set up as gambling outlets announced.

2012: The Senate vote to establish a casino with the intention of funding the community college program. This follows a model already working well in neighboring Arkansas. The bill was not signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal, who reportedly wanted to see a larger majority in favor before proceeding.

Georgia Gambling Laws – Summary and Future Outlook

Things are difficult for Georgia residents, with very few options for gambling that do not involve either playing bingo or leaving the State borders. Tentative steps towards opening a State casino still face opposition – though momentum does seem to be building faster for horse racing.

This State will likely be the last to embrace online gambling – possibly only ahead of Utah. One thing is for certain in GA, the residents are creative, and will come up with some way or another of staying ahead of the law and enjoying the online games.

Useful Resources:

Early History of The Southern Lotteries (covers several States)

Charity Gambling Laws

GA Code (Need to drill down to find the gambling laws, only the main URL works for visits)

Summary Of Laws

While Georgians will find that land-based options are heavily limited, legal online gambling for Georgia residents is far more comprehensive. The legal gambling sites that accept GA residents offer far more than any one brick and mortar location, giving players the option to gamble on sports, table games, slots, horse races, and bingo all from the comfort of home. Furthermore, there are even online operators that provide all different types of gambling on one central site. The key to legal gambling in Georgia is to make sure that an offshore betting provider is used.

That having been said, we are here to discuss the legalities of online gambling in Georgia. Residents of Georgia will find that there are plenty of options at your disposal, and this is what we are here to explore. With the knowledge we have collected, your overall gaming experience should be a pleasant one, if not profitable.

Mobile NFL Betting in Georgia

Mobile betting is one of the biggest trends in all of sports betting. The ability to place bets on the Atlanta Falcons from the Mercedes Benz-Stadium or anywhere in Georgia is possible because of mobile betting. Simply put mobile betting brings the entire sportsbooks to a bettors mobile device. If a Georgia bettor wants to place bets, add or deposit funds, and make changes to their account they can. Most sportsbooks that accept players from Georgia will either have a downloadable app or a mobile friendly website that can be reached from your device's web browser.

Live NFL Betting in Georgia

Those who have always wanted to bet on the Atlanta Falcons coming out of halftime and during the second half don’t have to wait any longer to do so as there are numerous ways to partake in live betting for those residing in Georgia. In game betting is one of the best ways to bet on football games that are already underway. Legitimate Sportsbooks accepting players in Georgia have made sure that in play betting props are updated and that there is no shortage of props despite the game already being in progress. While watching the action unfold bettors can get a good feel for the flow of the matchup and then use a site's live betting features to beat the bookie.

Online Gambling Age For Georgia Residents

In the state of Georgia, you have to abide by a fairly strict set of age restrictions. First and foremost, you will have to be 18 to even think about gambling. Bingo, lottery, horse racing betting, and online bingo are all available in the state of Georgia if you are 18 years of age. For those who wish to play online casinos, poker, or bet on sports, a strict age limit of 21 is in place.

Georgia Online Gambling Laws

The online gambling laws in Georgia are currently nonexistent. With the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), many bettors have been particularly curious about legal online sportsbooks. Though Georgia lawmakers now have the authority to legalize all forms of sports betting, there has been no movement on the legislative front. By 2023, however, it is predicted that more than half of the U.S. will have a regulated sports betting market.

Online poker, casino gaming, and bingo are also in the same boat. There is no law that has been written into the statutes or legislature that has banned any type of online gambling. If you are going to gamble online, you generally do not have to worry about anything other than knowing where to play, how to play, and when to quit. Georgia residents will have access to a large number of options all because of the lack of a framework either for or against online gambling, so you generally have very little to worry about in your gaming.

Gambling Sites That Accept Georgia Residents

There is a huge list of gambling sites available to residents of Georgia, and we have tested many of them. We have tested these in order to determine whether or not they are worth using them. Since we have only listed the most trusted of all gambling sites, you will not be subjecting yourself to anything other than a safe, secure and legitimate gaming experience. Georgia residents will have access to sports betting sites, poker rooms, and casinos, and these will allow you to play all of the games found in a Vegas-style gaming center.

Bovada: The Best Place For Online Casino Gaming

Many bettors have already made a ton of money on Bovada on sporting events. Now take a look at the online casino and this can give bettors another way to make money. All sports have an offseason and during those offseasons, the online casino will be the smart way to go to make sure that the money is still coming into your account. You still have live dealers there and other casino options like blackjack games and slot games. Make sure that you are 18 and older before signing up for Bovada. Once you are, you will be good to bet on anything you want and the online casino will be a popular place to be. Go To Bovada!

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No DE, MD, NJ, NY, NV

BetOnline: One Of The Top Legal Sportsbooks In The Workld

Georgia residents know a good deal when they see one, and BetOnline is sure to turn many heads. There are already plenty of bettors using BetOnline because they know that it is the best online gambling site for Georgia residents. You might not have jumped on the bandwagon quite yet, but we are here to tell you that the reputation of this site isn’t just hyperbole. Whether you are a poker player, a casino fanatic, or a sports bettor, you will find your favorite gambling here. The best part is with online gambling sites like BetOnline, you can place bets from your phone or other mobile devices. This really changes the way you gamble and where.

When you sign up you will be able to explore the site as a member before you decide to make a deposit. We suggest heading over to the poker tables and the virtual casino, where you can play free games. This will show you just how excellent the team behind the curtain really is. This site is simply stunning to look at, and extremely intuitive to play on. The sportsbook is massive as well. BetOnline is our pick for the best Georgia gambling site. Go To BetOnline!

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ALL STATES

Online Casinos That Accept Georgia Residents

Residents of the state of Georgia will find that there are many casinos out there for players to participate. If you look into the casinos we have decided to show you, you will find nothing but an intensely fun gaming experience. These casinos offer high bonuses, great payouts, and software that is easy to use even if you are generally unfamiliar with gambling sites. The best online casinos that accept Georgia residents are Aladdin’s Gold and Slots.lv.

Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Georgia Residents

Sports fans in the state of Georgia will find that there are many options on the table. These sportsbooks cover everything from the Braves and the Bulldogs to the Atlanta Falcons. No matter what you are looking to wager on, you should find it in the state of Georgia. We do not want our readers to join up with dangerous online sportsbooks, which is why we can tell you that Bovada, BetOnline, and 5Dimes are all tried and true legal sports betting sites. No matter which site you wager at, you will find a wide range of betting lines, wager types, and bonuses.

Online Poker Sites That Accept Georgia Residents

Poker fans will find that we have gone through a number of poker rooms in order to narrow down this list. With so many dishonest poker rooms it is somewhat difficult to choose the right poker room. Not that many poker rooms are worth using, so we will tell you what options to look out for. Make sure that the site uses high-quality software that is fast and easy to use. You will also want to look for a poker room that gets a good deal of traffic, tournaments, and bonuses. Some of the leading online poker sites that accept Georgia residents are BetOnline and SportsBetting.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept Georgia Players

Some people cannot simply travel to a bingo hall, which is why we have decided to share some of the more lucrative online bingo sites out there. Free play and real money play alike are all available, generally through the same sites. If you want to play with these online bingo halls, know that you are in for an exciting experience full of non-stop fun. The online bingo sites that accept Georgia players have more options than a local hall, with personalized cards, huge bonuses, and plenty of prizes. Downtown Bingo provides GA players with all of this and more!

Is Online Gambling Legal In Georgia?

In the event that you question whether there is online gambling legal in Georgia, you will find an answer that is seemingly straightforward. Georgia's government has written no law specifically banning online gambling in the state, which is why residents generally believe online gambling is legal in Georgia. Players cannot break laws that do not exist, which is why Georgians have been betting at offshore sites for decades.

Georgia has a number of highly restrictive laws about land-based gambling in the state, but this is not the case with internet betting. Online, you’ll be able to legally bet on casino-style games, poker, horse racing, sports, and even bingo. Gambling online is legal in Georgia so long as residents use online, offshore gambling sites. This ensures that the sites you’re using are regulated and licensed, making them safe as well as legal.

Is Online Gambling For Georgia Players Safe?

As long as you do not get the bright idea to start your own online casino, bookmaking operation, or poker room and have it based in Georgia, you will be just fine. Consumers or players at online gambling sites welcoming Georgia residents have nothing to fear when it comes to the legality of playing online casino games for real cash. You will, however, need to be safe in the site that you choose which is why we recommend the sites further up this page. We've used these sites and have had relationships with all of them for no less than one year. All have proven to be upstanding members of the online gambling industry and some are the flagship models from what new gambling sites base their sites on.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Georgia?

One of the more heavily trafficked forms of gambling, online casinos provide players with a way to participate in every game of chance that can be found in one of these casinos. If you want to play slots, video poker or table games, you will find that these online casinos are almost the only way to do so in Georgia. We have found no indication that these sites are illegal, so you should not have to worry about anything other than playing the games we have found.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Georgia?

If you live in Georgia, you live a few hundred miles away from a sportsbook that is legal. Legislators have not yet started to push for state-licensed Georgia sportsbooks. If you would rather bet on sports in the state of Georgia, you can turn to online sportsbooks in order to accomplish your task. Legal online sports betting sites for GA residents provide the latest odds on teams like the Georgia Bulldogs, and are 100% legal as there are no laws that regulate sports gambling in the state. Sports enthusiasts in the state can enjoy gambling on sports in Georgia without fear of the law.

Article: Is online sports betting legal in the USA?

Is Online Poker Legal In Georgia?

While there are few live poker rooms in Georgia, you will not be without your options if you decide to go online. Legal online poker sites in Georgia give you the opportunity to hit the felts on demand at any moment. There are absolutely no laws that make it illegal to use offshore sites to play poker games for real money. If you are of the legal age to gamble, you should have no problems hitting the lines.

Online Horse Racing Betting Sites That Accept Georgia Residents

Horse racing betting might not be able to be done at land-based racetracks in the state, but there is nothing in Georgia’s state statutes that prevent the use of an online racebook. These sites allow players from all over the state of Georgia to bet on races taking place across the country. If you use an online racebook that is based overseas, you will gain access to races that are taking place all over the world. Georgia residents looking for online horse racing betting sites should look at the sites recommended on this page. There, you’ll find everything a horse racing enthusiast could ever want.

How To Fund Your Online Gambling Account

You might be wondering how you can fund your online gambling account. First things first, you need to check the cashier tab of your site. There, you’ll find all of the options available for funding your gambling account. Credit cards and cryptocurrencies are two instant deposit options that are available at most gambling sites, but there are also checks, bank wire transfers, and other reliable options. Once you’ve chosen a method you like, all you have to do is select it, enter the amount you want to deposit and let the book take care of the rest. Don’t forget that this is when you will also want to claim any bonus codes that you might have.

• Bitcoin/Litecoin
• Credit Cards
• Check/Money Order

How To Gamble On Your Phone in Georgia

Online gambling sites have been accepting Georgia residents for decades, providing quality betting opportunities and top of the line betting software. In recent years, this has extended to providing Georgia bettors with mobile betting sites. If you’ve been wondering how to gamble on your phone in Georgia, it’s really quite simple. All you need to do is find a site that provides a mobile app or mobile site, and log in to your account. Both should allow you to do everything you would on the computer, so all you have to do is begin betting. Now it doesn’t matter where you are – you can use the gambling site of your choice.

Georgia Gambling FAQ’s

Do Online Casinos Offer Any Bonuses?

The online casinos recommended on this page absolutely do offer bonuses to their players. You’ll be eligible for daily and weekly promotions, starting from the time you make your first deposit at an online casino. You’ll find free spins for slot machines, deposit matching bonuses, and free plays at table games. Not to mention daily themed promotions available to any and all players. You’ll find more bonuses at an online casino than at almost any other legal Florida online gambling site.

How Do I Collect My Winnings?

When you’re ready to cash out and collect your winnings, head over to the cashier tab of your site. From there, choose the withdrawal method you’d like to use. The fastest withdrawal method is bitcoin, but you may be able to choose from checks, bank wires, MoneyGram, or Western Union as well. Enter the amount you want to withdraw, and press submit. From there, the book will process your request and then your payout will be on its way.

What Type of Gambling Is Best?

That really depends on what you think is best. Gambling is a singularly individual activity, and what’s good for your buddy may not be what’s best for you. Find which game you’d like, whether you’re better at betting on sports or if poker is more your speed. Remember, you can gamble in tons of different ways. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy what you’re doing.

Is Gambling Legal In Atlanta Georgia Crime

Can I Bet On Horse Racing From My Phone?

Is Gambling Legal In Atlanta Ga

Yes, you can. Georgia residents who enjoy betting on horse racing can easily bet on races from their phone, so long as they have an account with a racebook that provides a mobile interface. All of the racebooks on this page have mobile betting sites that provide the very best in pari-mutuel wagering.

If I Use Bitcoin Does My Sports Betting Account Fluctuate Like The Value Of Bitcoin?

Your account will reflect the amount you deposited with the conversion rate from that time, and will not fluctuate while your funds are in the sportsbook. When you go to withdraw, the book will use the conversion rate at the time of your request to dictate how much you’re getting back. Unfortunately, if this conversion rate is lower than when you deposited funds, your withdrawal will reflect that. It’s best to watch the market and request when the rate is higher than when you deposited.

Is Gambling Legal In Atlanta Georgia News

Will I go to jail for online gambling in Georgia?

Is Gambling Legal In Atlanta Georgia State

In the state of Georgia, we have never heard of an arrest because someone placed a wager online. Due to the lack of any law specifically banning online gambling, gamblers are not breaking the law by taking to the internet to wager. That having been said, players are safe when using online gambling sites to play their favorite games and bet on sports.