If you’re in Georgia and looking for a thrilling gaming experience, you might be wondering, Are online casinos in Georgia an option for me? While the state has traditionally held a conservative stance on gambling, that doesn’t mean you can’t dive into the electrifying world of online casinos. In fact, Georgia players can access quality offshore casino sites, sportsbooks, and poker rooms, offering the same excitement you’d expect from the vibrant gaming scene of Las Vegas—right from the comfort of your home.

The Best Online Casinos for Georgia Players

Ranking Casino Name Bonus Amount Review Payment Options Minimum Deposit Actions
4 Bovada Casino USD $3,750 Bonus
Read Review
$20 Min Deposit PLAY NOW
5 Las Atlantis $2,800 Slots + Cards welcome Bonus Bonus
Read Review
$10 Min Deposit PLAY NOW

Gambling Laws in Georgia: Quick Summary

If you are a Georgia resident and have a desire for the electrifying atmosphere of a casino, excellent options are not hard to find. We suggest playing at offshore online casino sites that welcome U.S. players, guaranteeing safe, secure, and reliable transactions; ample and generous welcome bonuses; and a cornucopia of varied and exciting casino games. Whether you are a fan of the high-octane world of online slots or the brain-bending excitement of Texas Hold ‘Em, these platforms provide an unrivaled intensity in an environment as close to a brick-and-mortar casino as you can find.

  • Legality: Gambling is generally illegal in Georgia, with exceptions for the state-operated lottery and charitable gaming. Online gambling is also prohibited.
  • Legal Age to Gamble: The legal age is 18 for the state lottery and charitable gaming. However, the minimum age for land-based casinos is 21.
  • Number of Land-Based Casinos: There are no land-based casinos in Georgia.
  • Gambling Authority: The Georgia Lottery Corporation oversees the state lottery. Charitable gaming is regulated by the Georgia Department of Revenue.
  • Best Georgia Gambling Site: There are no legal online gambling sites operating within Georgia.

Georgia Laws on Online Gambling

Similar to several states in the Deep South, Georgia has enacted tight gambling laws that restrict its very few legal gambling options. The state runs a popular and profitable lottery, which is even available for online purchasing. There are countless bingo halls run by very legitimate charities throughout the state. Aside from that, the state has no poker rooms, no sportsbooks, and, even more to the point, no land-based casinos. There are a couple of small business casino ships that operate in the state’s offshore waters, but those experiences are hardly what most people think of when they think of a casino.

In the last ten years, several pieces of legislation have been introduced by state lawmakers to legalize casino gambling, indicating a possible change in Georgia’s approach to this form of gaming. These proposals, however, have failed to pass through the General Assembly, leaving the status of casinos in Georgia unchanged.

Georgia’s Gambling Scene: What You Can Expect

Like a number of states in the Deep South, Georgia has long had a restrictive gambling climate. Today, the state enjoys a fairly healthy lottery, sells lottery tickets and raffle tickets through the internet, and allows the operation of some charity-based casinos. There are also a couple of “casino” boats that take passengers a few miles out to sea, but once you’re back on land, you can’t bet on sports, play blackjack, or try your luck at the kind of “full-service” casinos that offer a variety of games.

Even so, Georgia’s gambling landscape is gradually changing. In recent years, multiple bills have been introduced in the state legislature to regulate casino gambling and sports betting—a sign, perhaps, that the kind of Puritanical attitude that has long dominated Georgia’s relationship with gaming is starting to give way to something more progressive. Or at least it seems to be in sheer political rhetoric. Here’s a further breakdown on the situation regarding both state-regulated topics.

Georgia Online Gambling

  1. Though there is little prospect of Georgia regulating online gambling in the near future, individual residents who play for real money are not being prosecuted.
  2. Under the Georgia Constitution, it is unlawful to possess a gambling machine, while distributing gambling-related devices is also prohibited. Running a gaming operation without a license—whether it’s a physical den of iniquity or an online front—would land you in a Georgia courtroom facing a whole heap of trouble. But these laws primarily concern the operators.
  3. People residing in Georgia can gamble at casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites located outside U.S. borders without the threat of being prosecuted. But these offshore gambling establishments offer no consumer protections. That’s why you need to read casino reviews and only bet at sites you can trust.

Georgia Online Casinos

  1. We grade online casinos that are based in Georgia on safety, trust, good bonuses, and US-friendly payment methods. Our reviewers are enthusiasts who’ve played at the casino sites we recommend (and many we don’t recommend).
  2. Georgia’s online real-money gamblers put their dollars into overseas gaming establishments; therefore, they benefit from making an informed decision. Even with our recommended sites, we outline the good and bad of these online gaming establishments. Our readers select a casino with an insider’s view of the US gaming market.

Georgia Land-Based Casinos

  1. In the state of Georgia, several casino bills have been proposed by lawmakers since 2014. The late Sheldon Adelson (Las Vegas Sands Corp) and Jim Murren (former CEO of MGM Resorts) met with prospective casino site leaders in Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens. Adelson even relocated his lobbying effort from Florida to Georgia for a time.
  2. All of these proposed laws failed in the Georgia legislature. They were always guaranteed a rough ride, despite their promises to help fund the hope scholarship and despite all the promises we hear from casinos in every other state. One of the latest bad ideas to float was to let counties decide. I think part of the problem with gambling legislation is that it asks too much of too few payments. Fund the scholarships, pay the fees, support the teachers, and resist the temptation to give “hope” more than 10 percent odds.

Georgia Sports Betting

Betting on sports is a separate issue. As of 2021, there are 11 various gambling bills in the Georgia legislature that pertain to betting on sports. A couple of these bills gained some momentum in early 2021:

  1. On February 3, the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee voted 20-6 to advance House Bill 86. Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), who carries the bill, said HB 86 would pump $40 million a year into the Georgia Lottery.
  2. In March 2021, a bill that allocates funds for college scholarships, rural broadband, and health care programs was passed by the Georgia Senate. This is a departure from the normal path of gambling legislation, which tends to direct funds to the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs. If memory serves, Georgia’s gambling legislation has never done anything more than that. But these programs are hardly the extent of what is necessary for the state and its people, and state Sen. Jeff Mullis, a Republican from Chickamauga, is among the bill’s sharp and vocal advocates.
  3. For example, State Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) says that all bettors end up losing, though he backs the bill. Giving his reasoning, Cowsert said that gambling is “almost a part of Southern culture.”
  4. The Georgia House voted on March 21, 2021, to reject sports betting, despite the backing it had from supporters.

Georgia Bingo Gambling

In Georgia, it is permissible to conduct bingo games and raffle events as a part of charitable gambling. Nonprofit organizations are the operators of these games, and they include:

  1. Police departments
  2. Fire departments
  3. Veterans’ groups
  4. Church groups

These organizations are ones that can host bingo nights and raffle events as a part of their fundraising strategies.

Charitable gambling is overseen by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Georgia Casino Cruises

At different points in time, cruise ships that offered casino gambling operated out of Brunswick (close to Savannah). These ships journeyed past the 3-mile limit into international waters off the coast of Georgia, where it was permissible to gamble in a casino. Casino cruises generally featured a smattering of table games and more than a few slots.

A few years back, the Emerald Princess Casino sailed out of Brunswick. Gamblers purchase tickets to board the casino cruise, which stays out at sea for a set number of hours before returning to port.

Safe and Secure Online Gambling for Georgia Residents

Although online casinos are not regulated in Georgia, residents can still enjoy a wealth of entertainment by playing at trusted offshore gaming sites. These websites are licensed in foreign jurisdictions and operate under a safe and sound gaming model. To take full advantage of the experiences offered by these offshore casinos, Georgia residents should make a selection among these establishments based on the following criteria:

  • Payment methods that are secure, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies
  • Encryption technology that is strong enough to safeguard personal and financial information
  • Quick payouts and dependable assistance for customers
  • A live dealer table and a varied assortment of other casino games

Why Online Gambling is a Thrilling and Safe Choice

More than just convenience, online gambling is a heart-pounding form of entertainment. The online casino experience is as close to the real deal as possible—without having to defy gravity and throw your body in a plane bound for Vegas, that is. It’s just you, your screen, and a wealth of games begging for your attention. And with responsible gaming measures in place, it’s all good fun.

Georgia State Lottery

Among US lottery games, the Georgia state lottery takes the lead. It constitutes the backbone of the funding for the much-favored HOPE Scholarship, a postsecondary education program that awards and pays for college to Georgians who qualify. In fact, the HOPE Scholarship is the model upon which other states’ lottery funds have been built, the most recent example being the South Carolina Education Lottery.

The association of the multi-state lottery with Georgia commenced in 1996 with the introduction of the Mega Millions lottery. Powerball’s association with Georgia followed in 2010. A couple of years later, in 2012, the state of Georgia overturned previous state ban on the sale of lottery tickets online, and hence became an ally (albeit an unusual one) to the cause of online gambling. This state of affairs arose in a time when the Department of Justice had its sights set on national online gambling prohibition.

Did You Know?

  • The lottery in Georgia is among the most successful in the nation, bringing in billions for educational initiatives.
  • Some offshore casinos provide live dealer games that enable players to have real-time interactions not only with the dealers but also with other players.
  • Numerous internet-based casinos offer splendid bonuses and loyalty schemes, giving you even more opportunities to hit it rich while indulging in your top gaming pastimes!

If you are prepared to accept the fun and thrilling nature of internet gaming, now is a magnificent moment to delve into the top foreign casinos that are accessible to players in Georgia. Play safely, enjoy yourself, and may your luck hold out!

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Gambling laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. We do not provide legal advice, and it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with local laws before participating in any gambling activities. We are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article. If you have (legal) concerns, please consult a qualified professional.