Georgia Online Gambling

Everything you need to know about DFS & the future of online gambling in GA: Expert reviews, welcome bonuses, app analysis, FAQ, & more.
Last updated: May 2023

What forms of gaming are permitted in Georgia?

Online Casinos

Online Sports Betting

Online Poker

Fantasy Sports

Online Lottery

Land-Based Casinos

Georgia has always had some of the strictest gambling laws in the US. While there are still ways to safely gamble online, residents still have to wait for state licensed online gaming sites. Thankfully, the push to legalize online gambling is quickly gaining traction.

Options like social casinos and daily fantasy sports are still 100% legal and safe. Our detailed reviews will help you learn about the various sites and options you have for gambling online in Georgia.

Unfortunately, online gambling in the state is still heavily restricted. The legal options available are not always obvious, so read on for our full breakdown of the industry. You will also learn how to identify legitimate sites and find the right site for your preferences.

Types of Legal Online Gambling in Georgia

Social casinos and daily fantasy sports are the only legal forms of online gambling in Georgia.

Sports Betting

Sports betting is, unfortunately, illegal in Georgia. The most recent effort to enact legislation to make sports betting legal fell short in 2023. But while this (and previous) efforts have failed, Georgians continue to push for legal sports betting. The vertical will likely be legal in the next few years.

Online Casinos

Online casinos are also illegal in Georgia. Lawmakers could still push for its legalization alongside sports betting. Thankfully, social sweepstakes casinos are available in Georgia. These allow you to enjoy 100% legal online casino games.

Daily Fantasy Sports

The state classifies daily fantasy sports (DFS) as skill-based games. While there are no official laws regarding fantasy sports, they are still legal to play. This is because they do not fall under illegal gambling laws. Several reputable operators provide options to bet on DFS, including:

  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel
  • Oulast Daily Fantasy Sports
  • PrizePicks
  • Yahoo

Online Poker

Online poker is not legal in Georgia, and players may have to wait a while for its legalization. Future legislation will likely focus on legalizing sports betting and will probably not mention online poker.

Georgia is in a unique position since traditional forms of online gambling are technically illegal. This means that there is currently no authority to license these sites in Georgia. The most popular daily fantasy sports sites have licenses in other states to prove their trustworthiness. This ensures they provide a safe and legal experience, unlike offshore sites. These sites do not comply with the country’s laws and safety standards.

  • Fairness: Every licensed gambling site in Georgia has been examined to ensure they are fair. This includes offering fair odds and bonus policies. Players do not have to worry about being locked into unreasonable wagering requirements.
  • Responsible Gambling: Responsible gambling tools are a requirement for all licensed online gambling sites. Gaming regulators ensure that players can set limits and lock their accounts. This allows everyone to control their habits and keep gambling entertaining. Offshore gaming sites do not always offer these tools since they do not operate under the country’s gambling laws. The lack of tools could be dangerous for vulnerable players.
  • Community Benefits: While Georgia does not currently license any gambling sites, it is still best to pick US-based sites. Popular sites like DraftKings are based in the US and need to pay taxes. This could benefit Georgia if the state decides to start regulating online gambling. While offshore casinos are accessible in the US, none of their income will return to the community.

How to Know If a Georgia Online Gambling Site Is Legal, Regulated, and Safe

Players from Georgia need to be extra careful when choosing an online gambling site since the state does not have its own regulator. Thankfully, you can quickly evaluate a site’s safety using these points.

  • US-Based Operator: While each state’s gambling regulator has its own laws and regulations, they do have one thing in common. Their goal is to ensure sites are secure and legitimate. Even though Georgia does not have an online gambling regulator, you can still trust most US-based that are regulated in other states. You can usually find licensing and headquarters information at the bottom of a site’s homepage.
  • Physical Casino Partner: Although Georgia does not have any land-based casinos, many of the most famous casinos in the US are partnered with popular sportsbooks that players in Georgia can access, but not wager at. This further shows their trustworthiness and ensures a legitimate company backs them.
  • Customer Support: Many illegal gambling sites will not offer customer support options. Make sure to contact support before registering at a site to ensure you can get help when you need it. Good customer support is paramount for an online gambing site.
  • Reputation: It is essential to check a site’s reputation beforehand. Many of Georgia’s social casinos and fantasy sports sites are available in other states and already have a large and trusting player base. If you do not immediately recognize the name of a site, you should research the operator to make sure they are legitimate.
  • Fair Terms and Conditions: Another advantage to licensed sites is fair terms and conditions. Regulated sites will want to attract and retain players. The easiest way is with valuable bonuses and fair wagering requirements. The regulators also ensure the site operates under player-friendly policies.

Important Information When Choosing an Online Gambling Site in Georgia

The two most important factors to consider when choosing an online gambling site in Georgia are value and usability. While there are various specific points to look at, such as security and banking, most will fall under these broad terms.

Welcome Bonus

The first thing new players will see when browsing gambling sites are the welcome bonuses. These once-off offers tend to be the site’s most valuable offers and let you start playing with plenty of bonus funds. Welcome bonuses can range from match deposit bonuses to risk-free bets. Of course, all offers need to have fair wagering requirements that give you control over your money. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of a welcome offer before signing up to a site.

Promotions

While welcome bonuses aim to attract players, promotions aim to keep players coming back. Frequent promotions like cashback, free bets, and weekly/monthly deposit bonuses let players continue betting and enjoying the site. It is best to visit the promotions page of every site to see which ones offer the most value in the long run.

Rewards

A strong rewards program is another excellent way to give back to loyal players. The more you bet, the more benifits you will receive. Bonuses are usually organized into levels that you advance through as you play. Of course, reaching the highest levels will net you the best rewards, such as exclusive bonuses and extra bonus funds.

You can usually find details on a site’s rewards program on the promotions page. Here you can learn how to earn points and if you can start earning immediately after registering.

Mobile

An optimized mobile app or site has become a staple feature for online casinos. This dramatically increases a site’s usability. No matter where you are, you can enjoy online betting and access options like deposits and withdrawals.

Many established operators have an official app and mobile sites. These provide a smooth gambling experience and let you place your bets on the go. You can usually check on the site beforehand if there is an app and what devices it is available on.

Game Selection

Everyone has different gambling tastes, making it essential to check what games are offered by each site. Whether you enjoy casino games or specific sports bets, you can easily see what is available on a site’s front page.

Aside from the games catalog, it is also vital that sites feature the latest odds, betting types, and live betting for sports. All this contributes to a site’s usability to create an entertaining and inclusive gambling platform.

Gaming Regulator Information

The Commercial Gambling Unit (CGU) is Georgia’s only enforcer of commercial gambling law. Unfortunately, this only relates to coin-operated amusement machines. Since traditional gambling is still illegal, Georgia currently has no gaming regulator. Social casinos and daily fantasy sports sites do not need licenses to accept players from Georgia. This is because they are not classified as gambling.

Regulators across the country are responsible for reviewing gambling operators. This process determines if they qualify for licenses. They ensure that sites meet industry standards in various areas. These include responsible gambling, security, and customer support. If players feel that a site has breached its policies or has unfair terms and conditions, regulators will usually help settle the dispute.

History of Online Gambling Legislation

Online gambling is still technically illegal in Georgia. Lawmakers have only recently started pushing for its legalization. The most recent attempt failed in 2023.

The state’s strict gambling laws started as far back as 1878 with the banning of lottery ticket sales. Non-profit bingo was legalized in 1976, and Georgia reintroduced the state lottery in 1992. 2012 saw an attempt to build a land-based casino to help fund state education, but this was denied.

While daily fantasy sports are not explicitly legal in Georgia, they are also not illegal. This is because they are classed as games of skill. While lawmakers tried to officially legalize DFS in 2018, this also failed.

Land-based casinos are also illegal in Georgia, although there is one cruise ship casino. The Emerald Princess Casino is based in Georgia but sails out of state borders. This lets citizens enjoy casino games legally.

Responsible Gaming Resources in Georgia

All regulated online gaming sites in Georgia should offer responsible gambling tools and resources. These assist gamblers who are vulnerable to addiction. Responsible gambling is always a top priority for reputable operators. It is an important way of showing they care about their player’s enjoyment. Requirements include:

  • Ensuring all users are aged 18 or older
  • Providing bet limit settings so users can control their spending
  • Providing self-exclusion tools so users can lock their accounts
  • Directing players to Georgia’s official problem gambling services
  • Implementing adequate security features to protect user data

Community Contributions

The massive amount of revenue generated by gambling is a massive benefit to many states. Casinos in every state are taxed on their income, and this helps the community. The state can use this income to fund welfare programs and improvements to communities.

Georgian lawmakers are proposing a 20% tax on sports betting if it becomes legalized. This rate is higher than many other states and will ensure that legal gambling contributes positively to the state.

Gambling Limit Tools

The point of gambling is entertainment, and it is essential to keep it fun and safe. Unfortunately, many people are at risk of gambling addiction that could negatively impact their lives. Gambling limit tools give players control over their habits to ensure they can enjoy their gaming experience.

  • Deposit Limits: A tool to limit how much you can deposit.
  • Bet Limits: You can limit the maximum amount you can bet.
  • Time Limits: Time limits can restrict how long you spend on the site.
  • Self-Exclusion: You can use self-exclusion options to lock your account if you need a break. Periods range from weeks to months and even years.

Responsible Gambling Resources

Even though gambling is heavily restricted in Georgia, there are still many state resources. These can help you determine if you have a gambling addiction and put you in touch with professionals. Here are the main gambling support services in Georgia.

  • Georgia Department of Health and Behavioral Disabilities (DBHDD): The DBHDD has a network of offices around Georgia. Problem gamblers can contact these to receive support and start the recovery process.
  • Georgia Crisis and Access Line: You can call this service at 800-715-4225 if your gambling problem needs immediate attention.
  • Georgia Council on Problem Gambling (GCPG): You can contact the GCPG on 800-522-4700 and talk to staff with gambling-specific training.
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline (NPGH): The NPGH is available on 1-800-522-4700. There are plenty of gambling addiction resources on their website.

Land-based Gambling Available in Georgia

There are no land-based casinos in Georgia as they are illegal. This means there are also no retail sportsbooks in the state.

The only option for gamblers is the Emerald Princess Casino. This casino cruise ship sails outside Georgia’s borders. Customers can then legally play casino games. Here is the casino’s address and phone number.

  • The Princess Emerald Casino: 101 Emerald Princess Drive, Brunswick, GA 31523 / 912-265-3558

FAQ

Is online gambling legal in Georgia?

Only social casinos and daily fantasy sports are legal in Georgia.

What types of online gambling are legal in Georgia?

Social casinos and daily fantasy sports are the only legal forms of online gambling in Georgia. Online casinos, sportsbooks, and online poker are still illegal.

Can I use my Georgia online gaming accounts in other states?

While operators still accept players from Georgia, the state does not yet license online gambling sites. This means you have to check with each operator if you can access your account in another state. In most cases, you will be unable to place bets, although you can still make deposits and withdrawals.

I’m traveling to Georgia. Can I set up my account before I arrive?

Yes, since there are no online gambling laws in Georgia that operators must comply with, you can create your account before arriving.

Can I play on Georgia online gambling sites if I am just visiting the state?

Yes, even non-residents can create an account for a Georgia online gambling site. Make sure to check if your site will let you keep accessing your account if you leave the state.

What Is the minimum age to gamble online in Georgia?

The minimum gambling age in Georgia is 18. Most gambling sites will ask for your date of birth and the last four digits of your SSN. This helps the site confirm your age.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) helpline at 1-888-532-3500

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