Georgia Sports Betting Laws Aren't Stopping Gamblers

Think Georgia sports betting laws are preventing residents from figuring out how to place wagers? Think again.

Sure, the absence of sports betting in Georgia absolutely dissuades plenty of people from gambling. For many, exploring alternatives is too much of a hassle. More casual bettors, meanwhile, are likely to feel the same way.

Still, as the popularity of online sports betting in the United States continues to surge, accessibility improves right along with it. This holds true in states without legal sports betting, such as Georgia. So many alternatives are at gamblers’ disposal. If you really want to bet on sports in Georgia, you can do it. Oftentimes, you can do it with minimal fuss.

Indeed, this has long been the case. But the alternative Georgia sports betting market is expanding. We are not just talking about Georgians driving across state lines to place bets in North Carolina or Florida.

To be absolutely certain, this method is employed in ample volume. But as sports betting in the United States keeps expanding, it has resulted in even more ways for people who live in places like Georgia to work around their state’s gaming laws.

Social Media Helps Gamblers Find Ways to Work Around Georgia Sports Betting Laws

Let us begin with the most common alternative. Long before sports betting in the United State was legal, gamblers sought out offshore sportsbooks to place their wagers. That hasn’t changed.

In all actuality, for states without legal sports betting, the offshore market is more popular than ever. It used to be that only diehard wagerers were likely to explore international sportsbooks. But the increase in sports betting interest coupled with the accessibility of online operators has created an entirely new market of offshore bettors.

This demographic can be referred to as more casual gamblers. We are talking about people who do not religiously bet on sports but have an inherent interest in it or general curiosity towards. More and more of these gambler types are taking to social media in search of sportsbooks that can be accessed in Georgia.

Take the social media app Reddit, as one example. Scroll through their betting forums, and you are bound to find posts from people looking for offshore sportsbook recommendations in their state. This includes Georgia sports betting.

“Football season is here and I’m looking to place some sports bets,” one Reddit user wrote earlier this week. “I know Georgia doesn’t allow sports betting, but I’ve heard about people still doing it online. I’ve never placed a bet online before, only at a casino, so I’m a bit confused on how it works.” The comments on this post are flooded with recommendations and instructions. And make no mistake, this is not the only inquiry of its kind. There are plenty more.

Cryptocurrency is Playing a Role in the Accessibility of Sports Betting

Now that cryptocurrency is more common than ever, it is apparently even easier for Georgia sports bettors to place their wagers. The folks over at Rough Draft Atlanta explained the process below:

“The state’s gambling landscape is not just influenced by those in favor, but also by broader trends. Although gambling remains illegal in Georgia, the rise of digital currencies and the success of platforms like crypto casinos with no KYC (Know Your Customer) will likely evolve the current restrictive landscape. These sites, like the ones selected by Kane Pepi, don’t require players to submit personal details or copies of their IDs. This allows gamers to get straight to gambling without having to go through a lengthy verification process. These trends have increased the accessibility of online gambling and, as a result, made its legalization more of a hot topic.”

This workaround figures to keep gaining traction. Anonymity always goes a long way, but this combines it with simplicity. You don’t have to travel to another state. You don’t need to use a VPN. Heck, you don’t even technically need to sign up with a sportsbook.

Increased Sports Betting Workarounds Should Not Come as a Surprise

None of this should be a surprise. Georgia sports bettors were always more frequently going to find ways to circumvent state laws. Sports betting is that popular.

We are now more than a half-decade removed from the Supreme Court of the United States overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. During that time, nearly 40 states have legalized some form of sports wagering. And with that type of widespread legalization comes a wide net. Casual bettors are growing in number, and their interest isn’t limited strictly to markets with legal sports betting.

Anytime this happens, a groundswell of offshore activity—via sportsbooks or crypto casinos—becomes inevitable. It also directly impacts the discussions surrounding sports betting.

You better believe Georgia sports betting will once again be top-of-mind during the 2025 legislative sessions. Yes, many always expected another Georgia sports betting bill to appear on the table. But these developments increase the urgency with which those conversations must take place. And if they don’t, they at least reshape the scope of any dialogue.

Policymakers understand that people are betting on sports in Georgia even though it’s illegal. Supporters of legal sports betting often express concerns about how risky betting offshore can be. They believe a regulated market in the United States is far safer.

Opponents can easily gloss over this sentiment when illegal wagering isn’t a proven issue. Well, it’s always an issue. But the degrees can vary. In this case, though, it doesn’t seem as if offshore wagering in Georgia is shrinking or holding steady. It appears to be on the rise.

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can find one that works for all of your sports betting needs: