Overview of Gambling in Georgia
Gambling in the US was once limited to casinos, bingo halls and racetracks but the times are a changin’. Federal shifts in legislature mean that individual states now have the power to legalise online gambling.
Opening up the gates for popular online sportsbooks and top US online casinos to now legally tap into the US market. Giving players massive choice, competitive odds and chances to win real money from within the comfort of their homes.
But where does the peach state stand on the controversial topic of online gambling? Here’s the full lowdown on what you can and cannot do in Georgia.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Georgia?
The only type of legal online gambling in the empire state of the south is the lottery which was approved in 1992.
Georgia's overall stance on gambling is extremely conservative and any change to the existing laws would require a constitutional amendment. This is a detailed and lengthy process that has only been carried out twice, to legalise bingo and the lottery. Even playing poker with friends for cash is illegal.
Sports betting is banned, including at horse and dog race tracks. Though polls in Georgia state that voters favour legalised sports betting. Proposals are sitting idle though, despite attempts since 2019, hopefully 2023 may see another push.
Social and sweepstake casinos are legal in the state though as well as one riverboat casino cruise ship. Many residents seek out land-based in Florida alternatively. Live bingo is permitted and there are big prize pools available for residents, but not online.
Minimum Legal age to Gamble in Georgia
Despite its traditionalist views on gambling, Georgia has a really low minimum age of 18 when it comes to partaking in bingo and the lottery. Those hopping aboard the casino cruise ship would need to be 21 years old or over.
Who Regulates Casinos in Georgia?
The Commercial Gambling Unit based within the Georgia Bureau of Investigative Division regulates casino and bingo activity within the state. The Georgia Lottery Corporation is in charge of regulating the wide range of draw games and multi-state lotto organisations. Here are some US casino news:
