Politically, Georgia appears to be shifting away from its Southern counterparts (it is voting “blue” more and more often) — but not on one issue, betting. Georgia is one of a dozen U.S. states without legal sports betting (about half of those dozen states are in the southern region of the country).

But does that mean Georgia bettors are completely out of luck for sports betting? Not quite. There IS a way to easily bet on sports inside the state. Keep reading and we’ll explain ourselves in this all-encompassing guide to Georgia betting — sports, casino, horses, and more.

Quick Georgia Facts

StateGeorgia
?? Sports Betting Laws?Not Available
? Population4 Million
? Minimum Gambling Age21 Years Old
?? Retail Sports Betting?Not Available
? Online Sports Betting?Not Available
? Mobile Sports Betting?Not Available
? Online Horse Betting?Not Available
? DFS? Available
Last updated on: November 19, 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal In Georgia?

No, Georgia still has a ban on sports betting. However, this ban has been challenged multiple times by new bills. In 2024 alone, three bills were pushed in an attempt to get sports wagering legalized. However, all of ‘em eventually died without the lawmakers taking a vote on it. With the legislative years now finished, we have to wait until 2025 for a new sports betting push (if it happens).

Nearby states to Georgia have passed and succeeded with its sports betting legislation. Both North Carolina and Tennessee come to mind here. We would’ve thought that would rub off on Georgia by now, but no cigar. The Southern state remains staunchly opposed to any form of gambling — and this is despite Georgia becoming less Republican (historically, this group is most against gambling) as of late.

Still, Georgia bettors have alternative options for throwing money on sports — and perhaps better options. You see, offshore betting sites work perfectly fine inside the Peach State. This is because they operate in foreign locations where betting is fully legal. That, in effect, allows them to sidestep local regulations of Georgia or even the United States.

The rest of this article will be dedicated to the best offshore betting sites in Georgia. As you’ll soon read, these sportsbooks come in clutch because the state doesn’t seem to be budging on its ban on sports betting. Oh well when you have reliable offshore sportsbooks to pick up the slack.

Latest Georgia Legal Betting Updates

Nov 19, 2024 11:37 AM

The Atlanta Falcons will take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 of the NFL season. 

Georgia Sports Betting Timeline

Georgia has pushed time and time again for legal betting, it just can't get it through the door quite yet. Here's a timeline summary of its efforts, plus other betting-related news in the state:

2024

October 14, 2024 - Sports betting remains illegal in Georgia, as efforts to advance the issue failed during the 2024 legislative session. The state won't have the opportunity to pass any legislation on sports betting until 2025. 
 
September 21, 2024 - Donald Trump has gained a slight lead in the Presidential Race in Georgia, sparking optimism among pro-gambling lobbyists that positive changes may be on the horizon.
 
August 15, 2024 - While the momentum for sports betting legalization is growing across the US, hopes for Georgia remain dim due to strong opposition from anti-gambling lobbyists. With no sign of legalization happening anytime soon, we recommend the best places residents in georgia can sign up and bet on sports today!
 
July 23, 2024 - Georgian residents are known for loving their sports, and the state is home to a few notable professional and collegiate teams. However, Georgia remains one of the most staunchly anti-gambling states.
 
June 20, 2024 - State Farm Arena revealed a new marketing agreement with PrizePicks, providing the DFS operator with extensive brand exposure throughout the venue.
 
April 5, 2024 - PrizePicks, a fantasy sports company, reveals its plans to move its headquarters to a new location in Atlanta.
 
March 18, 2024 - Senate Resolution 579, a sports betting bill, was discussed during a hearing held by the Georgia House Higher Education Committee. Despite the deliberation, the committee did not take any formal action and the Georgia legislature adjourned without any approved sports betting bill set to appear on the 2024 electoral ballot.
 
January 28, 2024 - The Georgia Senate approves a bill for the legalization of sports betting, including a constitutional amendment.

2023

December 22, 2023 - Georgia experiences gradual advancements in sports gambling, though the prospects of its success remain uncertain.
 
November 2, 2023 - Entain Foundation, a BetMGM owner, met with Georgia officials about potentially expanding gambling there.
 
October 4, 2023 - Law enforcement in Tifton, Georgia, recently arrested six individuals allegedly involved in unlawful gaming operations in the area.
 
July 2, 2023 - PrizePicks, a company based in Georgia, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit after allegedly engaging in technology theft concerning their player prop-style, over-under fantasy sports games.
 
June 12, 2023 - As Georgia's state legislative session drew to a close, the future prospects for sports betting legislation became uncertain. The next opportunity for a bill to address sports betting is expected in 2024.
 
May 4, 2023 - Unfortunately, the legislative session ended without passing HB 237, the only active sports betting bill.
 
March 1, 2023 - Sports betting is gaining traction in Georgia, with two more bills on the table. This could provide a pathway for legal sports gambling in the state.
 
January 24, 2023 - Last year, Representative Ron Stephens from Savannah led an effort to legalize sports betting, though the bill was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, he is hopeful for the current year.

2022

 

December 12, 2022 - It's likely that Georgia legislators will discuss sports betting again during this legislative session.

 

November 24, 2022 - Sports betting analysts have predicted that Georgia could generate millions of dollars for the state if they allowed sports betting.

 

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category

Best overallBovada
Best bonusesBetUS
Most unique bonusesBetNow
Top VIP programMyBookie
Best reputationBovada
Best sportsbookBetOnline
Best casinoEverygame
Best mobile appXBet
Best for live bettingEverygame
Best for new playersBovada
Best up-and-coming sportsbookXBet
Last updated on: November 19, 2024

Top 7 Georgia Sports Betting Sites

There are a lot of offshore options for Georgia bettors — and we mean a lot. However, if we had to whittle down the list, then these seven would stand out as the best:

  1. Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
  2. BetUS - Lucrative free-play promotions for all.
  3. XBet - Top-notch mobile playing experience.
  4. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
  5. BetNow - Unique promotional bonuses for all types of players.
  6. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
  7. MyBookie - Leading VIP rewards program for repeat betting.

#1 Bovada

Bovada Website Preview
Our score: 4.3/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on Bovada
Pros
Trustworthy brand
Solid user experience throughout
Cons
Cheap sign-up bonuses
Atop our list of recommendations in Georgia is a tried-and-true platform, Bovada. They are so high because they’ve routinely proven themselves to be one of the best in the last decade or so. That’s how long they’ve been in the offshore space, and they’ve attracted a large user base the entire time. We get it, offshore entities don’t always have the best reputation — whether it’s betting or fake driver's licenses or banking. The word “offshore” just sounds sketchy to a certain demographic of people. But that’s why we put Bovada number one: it’s a place you can trust with your money. Not only trust, but have a worthwhile time when betting. Bovada is a bit of a no-frills site. However, we say that in complimentary terms. You won’t find over-the-top design here. Nor will you get useless gimmicks. Bovada doesn’t need any of that because its playing experience gets the job done. Betting comes easy on here. The menu is well-organized and finding wagers is cake. But most of all, there never seems to be any issues when using Bovada. The site is always running — even during busy events like the Super Bowl or March Madness. Errors or lag are hard to come by. Transferring money happens without a hitch. These should all be bare minimum things but you’d be surprised how many bookmakers can’t even get the fundamentals right. All this makes Bovada a reliable site to bet on. Not only can you trust them to take care of you and your hard-earned money, but they’ll never fail you when you most need a bet. Georgia bettors are in good hands here.

#2 BetUS

BetUS Website Preview
Our score: 4.1/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetUS
Pros
Massive promotional bonuses
Well-stocked betting menu
Cons
High rollover requirement
7-day expiration period on bonuses
One of the best parts about betting online are the free-play deals. Every site offers some deals — and if they don’t, best to run the other direction. However, some sites are more giving than others when it comes to promotions. Welp, one of the most charitable betting sites around is BetUS. Take one look at their promotions and it’s easy to think “this is too good to be true.” We did so too, but trust us, these things are as legit as can be. Let’s level-set things by calling out a few of the deals currently available on BetUS. There's the welcome bonus for starters. This bad boy alone can top out over $3000 in free play. That’s far beyond what most competitors offer, which is more like $1000 in free play. BetUS easily triples that. But that’s baby money compared to the refer-a-friend deal. Guess what this one tops out at? A sizzling $6000 in free play. That sum of money is almost unheard of for any type of promo, little less a referral bonus. But at BetUS, it’s par for the course. BetUS free-play deals simply blow the competition out of the water. By competition, we’re not just talking about offshore betting sites either. This includes commercial operators like DraftKings or FanDuel. None of them can hang with BetUS in the bonus department. Georgia bettors looking to gamble for free need not look anywhere else besides BetUS. The free bets is just plain smart strategy as it removes the risks that come with wagering. We can’t recommend BetUS enough in this regard.

#3 XBet

Xbet Website Preview
Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on Xbet
Pros
Excellent mobile experience
Top-performing live betting system
Cons
Bonuses don't pay that much
The days of driving to a physical sportsbook and betting a matchup before the game feels more extinct by the day. It’s all been replaced by mobile apps that allow bettors to place wagers at home, at work, at school, at the bar, and everything else in between. The rise of mobile betting shows no sign of slowing down either, which is why XBet ends up so high on this list. We think XBet might have the best mobile betting experience of all — and that’s saying something given the amount of competition out there. This is due to the app’s design, which feels very modern, unlike its counterparts that look and feel ancient. XBet is the furthest thing from that with its sleek look that’s constantly being tweaked. It’s not just the app is cosmetically good, but functionally too. The menu, despite featuring a deep array of betting options, is easy to jump around between. Moreover, there’s hardly any lag to speak of despite being a well-stocked site. Some mobile platforms struggle to load casino games, but not XBet. Moreover, we should make it clear that XBet’s mobile app really isn’t an app. Not in the sense of apps you download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store at least. You can bet XBet on the go simply by using the site on a mobile-based browser. It works on just about any device, whether that’s a phone or tablet, so that comes in handy cause you never know when you want to place a wager. With the industry shifting more and more in this direction, XBet is primed to serve Georgia bettors with this feature. If there’s ever a new trend too, we’re confident XBet will be either early to it, if not front-running the trend. That’s a trait to be admired by bettors because this industry will only keep changing with the times — and so will XBet.

#4 BetOnline

BetOnline Website Preview
Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetOnline
Pros
Deep sportsbook selection
Well-priced odds
Cons
Bonuses and contests are "boring"
BetOnline is the best at arguably the most important thing — offering sports to bet on. We know what you’re thinking, “but don’t all these sites offer that?” Yes, but nowhere to the extent of BetOnline. When it comes purely to the sportsbook, we’d argue BetOnline has perfected it most. This starts with offering the most betting lines of all. Anything and everything can be wagered on this site. That means common sports like NFL or MLB, but also overlooked sports like snooker or curling. Those are just examples, but you’ll be hard-pressed to NOT find the bet you’re looking for on BetOnline. The sportsbook is that extensive. However, this isn’t just about the sports or leagues offered. It’s also about the bet types — moneyline, spreads, props, futures, and so on. BetOnline is famous for its wide-spread markets, particularly at props. Take for instance the Super Bowl, you’ll find some of the most fun props offered right here on BetOnline. One more thing about BetOnline’s sportsbook: it offers well-priced odds. Look, most bookmakers have pretty similiar odds across the board but there’s definitely some sites that give lines at worse value. BetOnline is not one of these, in fact, if there’s a is a discounted price, you’re most likely to find it at BetOnline. That’s clutch for sustaining a profitable record in the long run.

#5 BetNow

BetNow Website Preview
Our score: 4.2/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetNow
Pros
Broad range of NFL lines
Great props for major events
Cons
Bonuses aren't that appealing
Site looks a little old
Bonuses are also how BetNow ends up on this short list, but not in the same way as BetUS. See, it’s not that BetNow offers these lucrative deals that pay out eye-popping amounts of free play. No, however, they do offer a wide variety of bonuses and some unique ones at that too. This is not the norm in the offshore betting space as we’re about to explain. Let’s start with the options. By our count, BetNow offers Georgia bettors a whopping four sign-up bonuses, three reload deals, and another three rebate programs. At the majority of competitors, there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to deals. So if you’re a complete first-time to online betting, you’d end up with the same welcome bonus as perhaps a “high roller.” That doesn’t make sense, which is why we take a liking to BetNow which offers a little something for everyone. However, we have to hone in on the sportsbook rebate because, well, it might be the only deal of this kind. At most places, rebates on casino and horse betting is the norm, but you’ll never get a refund on sports. Yet, here at BetNow they’re offering a 2 percent rebate on net losses. No, it’s not a huge number, but just getting any type of refund is what’s impressive here. Outside of the promotion variety, BetNow offers an all-in-one experience. Between the sportsbook, casino, racebook, and even poker room, Georgia bettors will not get bored with the options on hand here.

#6 Everygame

EveryGame Website Preview
Our score: 3.8/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on EveryGame
Pros
Elite in-play feature
Tons of soccer betting options
Cons
Dated-looking design
Bonuses aren't lucrative
Everygame was formerly known as Intertops. They’ve re-branded, however, the decades of experience they have are still there. This bookmaker checks a lot of the boxes you’d want in a platform — deep menu, multitude of bonuses, straightforward design, and so on. So no need to rehash those things, but we do want to bring attention to one feature they’ve begun to improve a lot recently. That stand-out feature is live betting. This is one of the hot, new trends in the industry — as it should be. Placing a bet in the middle of the game is convenient and sometimes strategically better. Therefore, all platforms have rushed to offer in-play betting. Rush is the key word though because many have created flimsy products. Not Everygame though. The big thing about Everygame is how quick the live odds are. No live betting is perfect (there’s always a broadcast delay built in), but many platforms lag way too behind. You’ll notice this in a sport like basketball where it feels the in-play odds are a whole minute behind the action — a big no-no if betting. In our experience, Everygame kept up really well with live games. Not only that, but there was hardly any lag too. The last thing you want is to get a killer live line, but for the platform to error out and not take your bet. It’s a literally nightmare and thankfully, a rare thing at Everygame. The last thing we’ll mention about Everygame is they especially excel at soccer betting (or football if you’re non-American). This is a European-based bookie so it comes naturally to them. Not only does Everygame offer a deep selection of soccer bets, but even soccer-specific promotions too.

#7 MyBookie

MyBookie Website Preview
Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on MyBookie
Pros
Worthy rewards program
Multiple betting platforms
Cons
Site and app needs a redesign
Bonuses are vanilla
We love bonuses as much as the next guy, hence why bookies like BetUS and BetNow ended up so high on our list here. However, there is one downside to these deals. They don’t last most of the time. You know what does last though? A rewards program. When it comes to rewards programs, MyBookie has one of the best in the business. They offer higher payouts than most, and at the end of the day, that’s what bettors care about. Unlike a one-time welcome offer, these rewards are never capped either. Therefore, the free-play potential at MyBookie is bigger than most other bookies. Many online sportsbooks have tried and failed with their rewards programs. It’s all been an attempt to copy what makes Las Vegas casinos so attractive — those comp programs that dole out free rooms and buffets like candy. Of course, online sites like MyBookie can’t offer those physical goods, but they make up for it with free play! However, one downside of MyBookie’s rewards program is it's invitation-only. But at the same time, it’s that exclusivity that makes the rewards actually worth it — cause not just anybody can redeem them. To be invited, you’ll have to be consistent with your betting activity and more importantly, dollar value.

Where Are Sportsbooks Like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars?

Until Georgie legalizes sports betting, big-name operators like DraftKings or FanDuel will continue to be left out sportsbook-wise. These companies are licensed operators in other states where betting is legal. Therefore, they can’t risk those licenses to operate illegally in Georgia — that’s simply a risk too big to take. If you try to access those platforms while inside Georgia, you’ll be quickly geoblocked (even if using a VPN).

As we’ve eluded to, offshore sportsbooks are really the ones that can skirt around Georgia’s ban on betting due to being located outside the United States. All seven sites we recommended above work perfectly fine inside the state, no need to use a VPN or anything.

Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In Georgia

Here’s another thing we love about offshore sportsbooks: they offer way more betting markets than licensed operators. Way more! You see this once you start venturing away from traditional sports. Things like politics, entertainment shows (the Oscars or Grammys), WWE can only be wagered at offshore betting sites.

Why not places like DraftKings or BetMGM? Those bookmakers are simply not allowed to offer these odds, per state regulations. But again, offshore sportsbooks can play by their own rules without these regulators overseeing their every move. That results in more free markets when betting offshore.

Betting Apps In Georgia

The need to bet on the go through mobile apps has swept across the industry in the last decade or so. These days, having a killer mobile app isn’t a “nice to have” feature, it’s a must-have feature. That’s why we have a separate guide to Georgia betting apps. In some ways it mirrors this guide because the best sportsbooks take mobile wagering seriously. However, there are some differences and specific tips you’ll want to read up on inside that guide.

State Betting In Georgia Today — Our Guides

We don’t want just to throw money at Georgia sportsbooks. No, no, we want you to actually be profitable at this thing. For that to happen, you’ll have to study up on strategies and techniques. We’ve written five guides in that area to get you started:

Payment Methods Available For Georgia Sportsbooks

You can’t bet without first depositing money into an offshore bookie. The good thing is this payment process has been made easy by the bookmakers found on our list as they support the most popular cash-in and cash out types. Here’s what payment forms you can expect to be supported:

  • VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
  • Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
  • Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play (also only available on offshore sites).
  • Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.

Georgia Casinos & Resorts

While there are no land-based casinos in Georgia, they do have a casino cruise boat that travels out into international waters where gambling is technically allowed. International waters are technically only three miles from shore, so it is a quick boat ride before gambling can occur.

The Emerald Princess Casino is the most popular option for casino boating. Located in Brunswick, Georgia, they offer both daytime and evening cruises, allowing for more opportunities to set sail. They have over 225 slot machines, six poker tables, and 17 table games for gamblers to enjoy.

History of Georgia Legalization Efforts

We know we provided a timeline before, but below is the full details about Georgia's failed efforts to legalize sports betting, dating back to 2018.

2018-2019: Early Opportunities Left on the Table

Most states with large sports fan bases should be jumping at the chance to legalize sports betting. But unfortunately, Georgia just isn’t jumping yet. Their betting laws are quite restricted as of now, and since PASPA was reversed in May of 2018, little has been done to move toward legalization.

2020-2021: Bills Introduced, but None Become Law

A bill was submitted in early 2020 which would authorize the Georgia Lottery to regulate online sports betting products. The bill calls for online sportsbook betting companies to pay a tax worth 20% of their income, with five percent of that going towards a scholarship fund. Interestingly enough, this legislation is backed by the Georgia Professional Sports Integrity Alliance which includes all professional teams in Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgian sports betting market is estimated to be worth more than $1 billion, leading many decision-makers to open their eyes to the potential.

In 2021, Georgia considered another bill that would have legalized sports betting, but it has been relegated to 2022. It is unclear if they will have the votes to pass it then either.

2022: Georgia Does Not Move Much Towards Legalization

Although some economists have concluded that Georgia should legalize sports betting, the state does not seem poised to do so. This is especially true after the Midterm elections that saw Kemp keep his seat as Governor of Georgia. Georgia bettors should be looking to the online sportsbooks we recommend here on this page.

2023: Georgia's Bipartisan Push for Sports Betting Faces Political Hurdles in 2024 Legislative Session

Georgia's 2024 legislative session sees the introduction of several sports betting bills. SB 172, carried over from 2023, and SB 386 enjoy bipartisan support. Despite the widespread desire for legal betting, experts suggest that divisive state politics in a federal election year may hinder legalization progress.

2024: Georgia Legislature Adjourns without Sports Betting Plan

While a sports betting bill made it through the House of Representatives and gained some traction in the Senate, the George state legislature adjourned for the rest of 2024 without approving the initiative. As a result, there will be no Georgia sports gambling bill on the November bill. This also means that it's unlikely the Peach State can legalize sports betting prior to 2026, which is when the next general election after 2024 will be held.

Other Types Of Betting In Georgia

As pointed out earlier, Georgia has no in-land casinos — not even Native American-owned ones. That means there’s no legal casino gambling option to speak of. Of course, offshore betting sites have casino platforms though. That’s the only way to bet on slots or table games if inside the state.

In the same token, Georgia does not allow wagering on horse racing at all. You see many states that ban sports betting make an exception for horse racing but not Georgia. The state is almost as strict as can be.

So what can you bet on legally in Georgia? Two things — the lottery and daily fantasy sports (DFS). The lottery is state run and funds an education fund by the state, while DFS is a free market with many operators fighting for market share.

Betting on Georgia Sports Teams

The A-T-L is a hub of rap music and sports. Let's focus on the latter here, specifically about betting A-Town's biggest pro teams.

Betting on the Atlanta Falcons

Georgia is home to the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL, a team that hasn’t received much recognition until their Super Bowl run in 2017, where they blew a lead to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. They are still well-received in the state, though they are currently going through a rebuilding process.

Betting on the Atlanta Braves

The MLB team based in Georgia is the Atlanta Braves — possibly the most popular major league baseball team of the ’90s outside the Yankees and Dodgers. After winning the World Series in 2021, they are in the middle of a new era of success.

Betting on the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are the lone NBA team in Georgia, and like their other Georgian teams, they’re average. They haven’t had any notable seasons in years. Their only NBA Finals title was in 1958 so this franchise is starved for success.

Georgia Betting Resources

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

Want a guide just like this one, but for other states? We got you covered. Check out our directory of in-depth state-by-state guides:

Find the full list of states with legalized gambling in USA.

Responsible Gaming In Georgia

We do want to close out with a warning: keep gambling fun. If it ever becomes a problem — and you can probably guess when that happens— take a step back. Betting should be a form of entertainment, not a way to let the bills. We wanted to offer three hard rules to get you right at this moment so you never go off track with betting. Here’s the rules:

  1. Set Your Boundaries: Before you start, decide on a clear budget and time limit for your gaming. Stick to these limits, and never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.
  2. Know When to Walk Away: Gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you’re not enjoying yourself or feel like you’re chasing losses, take a break.
  3. Balance is Key: Keep gambling as just one of many activities in your life. Don’t let it take over your social, work, or personal responsibilities.

We hope it never gets to this point, but in a time of crisis, help is available. Here's some resources bettors can lean on when gambling becomes problematic:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.

Georgia-specific resources:

Georgia Council on Problem Gambling (https://www.georgiagamblinghelp.org/)

An organization that provides resources to residents of Georgia suffering from problem gambling.

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities – Gambling Addiction Services (https://dbhdd.georgia.gov)

Provides resources, counseling, and referrals for gambling addiction treatment to help individuals and families affected by problem gambling in Georgia.

Ridgeview Institute – Gambling Addiction Treatment (https://ridgeviewinstitute.com)

A mental health facility in Georgia offering specialized treatment programs for gambling addiction, including both inpatient and outpatient services.