Georgia currently does not allow casino gambling.
Georgia currently does not allow casino gambling.
Georgia currently does not allow any casino gambling. The only form of gambling allowed in Georgia is through the state’s lottery, which voters approved in a referendum in 1992.
According to Georgia’s Law, gambling is defended as wagering on the result of any game or contests or on casino games performed with cards, balls as well as dice, to gain money or other valuables. Skill-based hames with a component of luck, like poker, are also banned. The part take in illegal gambling is considered a misdemeanour and can carry up to $1000 in fines and as well as a 12-month prison sentence.
Sections 16-12-20 et seq. of the Georgia Code deal with the majority of gambling-related issues.
Allowed | |
Online Casino Gambling | No |
Land-based Casinos | No – Pending legislation |
Lottery | Yes |
Charity Gaming | Yes – Raffles as well as Bingos |
The minimum gambling age in 18 for lottery and charity gaming. If Georgia legalised casino gambling, the minimum age would likely be 21.
Throughout the years, the Georgia General Assembly has debated a number of bills to legalize casino gambling, but nothing has been implemented. However, 2024’s legislation session anticipates to feature new legislative proposals.
So, we know all casino gambling is illegal in Georgia, but what about sports betting?
Unfortunately it’s much the same. Sports betting is simply not permitted in Georgia. The new legizlation was not passed during the brief campaign to authorize sports betting in Georgia back in 2022. It is also unclear if it will pass in 2023. The earliest possible date for the opening of sportsbooks in the state, should a legislation be passed, is late 2023 or maybe even 2024.
Hope is not fully lost however. Large Daily Fantasy Sports companies like FanDuel or DraftKings operate in Georgia under the assumption that because their competitions are skill-based rather than chance, they don’t break Georgian anti-gambling laws. (Small wins!)
So, No casino Gambling and no sports betting in Georgia. What can you do?
The answer is pretty simple. The way to play anything in the state is charity bingo. However, the prize can not exceed $1500 per day and $3,00 a week. Playing online is also not permitted.
The lottery also has some games, such a multi-state options like Powerball and Mega Millions. Georgia’s people can also buy scratch cards, second chancers and Diggi games. The tickets can be purchased both online and at retailers in person. The lottery actually helps fund education in the state by contributing to the HOPE scholarship programme. We hope the state opens up too gambling soon but for now, stick the the DFS and charity gaming.