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 weâll explain ourselves in this all-encompassing guide to Georgia betting â sports, casino, horses, and more.
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Quick Georgia Facts
State | Georgia |
---|---|
âïž Sports Betting Laws | âNot Available |
đ« Population | 4 Million |
đ¶ Minimum Gambling Age | 21 Years Old |
đïž Retail Sports Betting | âNot Available |
đ Online Sports Betting | âNot Available |
đ± Mobile Sports Betting | âNot Available |
đ Online Horse Betting | âNot Available |
đ DFS | â Available |
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 âem 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 wouldâve thought that would rub off on Georgia by now, but no cigar. The Southern state remains staunchly opposed to any form of gambling â 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 â 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 youâll soon read, these sportsbooks come in clutch because the state doesnât 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
Dec 17, 2024 08:45 AM
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:
Best Sportsbooks In Each Category
Best overall | |
---|---|
Best bonuses | BetUS |
Most unique bonuses | BetNow |
Top VIP program | MyBookie |
Best reputation | |
Best sportsbook | BetOnline |
Best casino | Everygame |
Best mobile app | XBet |
Best for live betting | Everygame |
Best for new players | |
Best up-and-coming sportsbook | XBet |
Top 7 Georgia Sports Betting Sites
There are a lot of offshore options for Georgia bettors â and we mean a lot. However, if we had to whittle down the list, then these seven would stand out as the best:
- Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
- BetUS - Lucrative free-play promotions for all.
- XBet -Â Top-notch mobile playing experience.
- BetOnline -Â Competitive odds and early line releases.
- BetNow -Â Unique promotional bonuses for all types of players.
- Everygame -Â Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
- MyBookie -Â Leading VIP rewards program for repeat betting.
#1 Bovada
#2 BetUS
#3 XBet
#4 BetOnline
#5 BetNow
#6 Everygame
#7 MyBookie
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 canât risk those licenses to operate illegally in Georgia â thatâs simply a risk too big to take. If you try to access those platforms while inside Georgia, youâll be quickly geoblocked (even if using a VPN).
As weâve eluded to, offshore sportsbooks are really the ones that can skirt around Georgiaâs 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.
Latest Georgia Betting News
Nov 14, 2024 05:40 AM
The Absence of Georgia Sports Betting is Prompting Gamblers to Seek Out More Alternatives
Sep 9, 2024 08:48 PM
Former Georgia Football Staff Member Wrapped Up in NCAA Sports Betting Violations
Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In Georgia
Hereâs 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 isnât a ânice to haveâ feature, itâs a must-have feature. Thatâs 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 youâll want to read up on inside that guide.
State Betting In Georgia Today â Our Guides
We donât want just to throw money at Georgia sportsbooks. No, no, we want you to actually be profitable at this thing. For that to happen, youâll have to study up on strategies and techniques. Weâve written five guides in that area to get you started:
- Top Betting Tips â want to make money wagering? Read this!
- Best Sports Betting Strategies â the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which take your betting to the next level!
- How Do Odds Work â self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
- Types of Sports Bets â a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
- Betting Odds Calculator â calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out
Payment Methods Available For Georgia Sportsbooks
You canât 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. Hereâs what payment forms you can expect to be supported:
- VISA â the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
- Mastercard â the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
- Bitcoin â the payment method that'll earn you the most free play (also only available on offshore sites).
- Bank wire â 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 isnât 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 â not even Native American-owned ones. That means thereâs no legal casino gambling option to speak of. Of course, offshore betting sites have casino platforms though. Thatâs 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 â 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 hasnât 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 â possibly the most popular major league baseball team of the â90s 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, theyâre average. They havenât had any notable seasons in years. Their only NBA Finals title was in 1958 so this franchise is starved for success.
Georgia Betting Resources
International Sportsbooks
Bonuses for International Sportsbooks
Payment Methods for Non-Regulated States
Georgia Betting Apps
U.S. Betting Legislation
Online Betting Guides
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 â and you can probably guess when that happensâ 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. Hereâs the rules:
- 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 canât afford to lose.
- Know When to Walk Away: Gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If youâre not enjoying yourself or feel like youâre chasing losses, take a break.
- Balance is Key: Keep gambling as just one of many activities in your life. Donât 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 â 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 â 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.