Georgia is one of those states in the US with confusing laws pertaining to online gambling – and this has caused many people to ask, ‘is online gambling legal in Georgia?” The simple answer is no. Gambling of any kind is not legal in GA, but you can still play in offshore online casinos.

If you have decided to play in one of these casinos, you will need to choose a reputable site, however. In this guide, we present the best offshore real money online casinos in Georgia ranked by bonuses, safety, available games, software providers, and more.

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The Best Georgia Online Casinos List 2024

We have evaluated numerous online casinos in Georgia, and put together a list based on our criteria.

  1. Las AtlantisOne of the best online casinos in Georgia for mobile gameplay
  2. Wild Casino – Fantastic Georgia casino live dealer app
  3. Bovada – Best online crypto casino in Georgia
  4. MyBookie – Top online casino Georgia for table games
  5. El Royale – Best online casino in Georgia for live roulette
  6. BetOnline – 100% up to $3,000 to play casino games
  7. Everygame – Huge welcome bonus and 24/7 customer support
  8. BUSR – Best online casino in Georgia for poker tournaments
  9. BetUS – Excellent Georgia online casino option for free spins
  10. Super Slots – More than 185 video slot games

Best Georgia Online Casinos Reviewed

Below we analyze our top 3 Georgia casinos for online gambling. We will cover the core features and reasons why we chose them as our top casinos in Georgia out of the numerous gambling sites in the US.

1. Wild Casino – Fantastic Georgia Casino Live Dealer App

wild casino online casino georgia

Wild Casino is a crypto casino run and managed by the same companies responsible for names like SportsBetting and BetOnline. This casino has a fantastic selection of games powered by Betsoft and Nucleus Gaming. You will need to make a minimum deposit of $20 to begin playing in this casino, and the minimum and maximum payouts are dependent on the payment methods you choose. Cryptocurrencies support a minimum payout of $20 and a maximum payout of $100,000.

If you are a fan of table games, you will enjoy the collection offered by this Georgia real money online casino, all with decent table limits. Baccarat for instance comes with a bet limit of $1-$100, along with different variations of blackjack and roulette with table limits of $1-$500.

New players also get the opportunity to benefit Wild Casino’s promo codes that offer a bulky welcome bonus of up to $5,000, split between the first 5 deposits subject to a 35x wagering requirement.

What we like:

  • Extensive collection of casino games
  • Amazing welcome bonus
  • Supports payments with cryptocurrencies
  • Payouts are very fast

What we don’t:

  • It has no live chat feature.

 

2. Bovada Casino – Best Online Casino in Georgia for Poker Tournaments with $1m Guaranteed Prizes

Bovada Casino

In operation since 2011, Bovada is one of the top Georgia casinos, offering over 150 casino games powered by Betsoft and Real Time Gaming as well as a good selection of sports betting.

Bovada is the leading poker website in Georgia since it offers massive tournaments, which the competition can’t beat. To begin playing casino games on this platform, you will need to make a minimum deposit of $20. You can start on the poker tables for as little as $5-$10.

Players who deposit funds using Bitcoin can enjoy Bovadas promo codes for a welcome bonus of up to $3,750 split between the first three deposits. However, the bonus has a 25x wagering requirement for the first deposit and a 50x wagering requirement for the other deposits. There is also a generous refer-a-friend bonus of up to $100 and an extra $25 if you use Bitcoin to fund your account.

Bovada casino accepts Bitcoin, Visa Credit Cards, Visa Gift Cards, MatchPay Wire transfers, Rapid Transfer, and Check by courier. The minimum/maximum withdrawal is $10/$100, depending on the option you choose.

Above all, Bovada is one of the few casinos in Georgia that has a great reputation for running fair bets and games and it is known for its speedy payouts, processed within 1-2 days.

What we like:

  • Great game selection
  • Trusted name in the gambling industry
  • Fast payouts
  • Amazing website design and functionality
  • 24/7 customer support

What we don’t:

  • Fees on deposits with credit cards
  • Unlicensed casino

 

3. Everygame – Huge Welcome Bonus and 24/7 Customer Support

GA online casinos - Everygame

Everygame has been in existence since 2021 and is now recognized as an excellent online casino site for Georgia players. They offer players an array of casino games with a welcome package that can extend up to $5,555.

The Everygame library is crammed full of top casino mainstays for players in Lone Star State, including games like slots, progressive jackpot slots, roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, multiple video poker variations, and a lot more.

On top of that, there are constantly new deals, free spins, and multipliers being added to select titles both at Everygame Red and Everygame Casino Classic.

Accepting over 12 currencies, including cryptocurrency, and over 15 payment methods, Everygame enables online gamblers’ payment freedom and ease. New players have access to Everygame’s promo code to get a welcome bonus up to $5,555.

What we like:

  • Generous welcome bonus & ongoing offers of up to $5555
  • Welcome bonuses on both cryptocurrency and cash deposit
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Fast payout option for eWallet options

What we don’t:

  • Weekly Payout limit

Discover Our In-Depth Casino Reviews and Get the Best Casino Bonus Codes:

 

Key Things You Need to Know

  • Online casino gambling is currently illegal in Georgia, with the state banning all forms of gambling activity, including sports betting
  • However, players within the state can sign up to offshore casino sites completely legally. Make sure the offshore casino site you use is fully licensed
  • The only form of legal gambling of any form is the state lottery, or organized state raffles
  • A bill was put in front of the state senate in 2020, after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, to legalize online gambling, but this failed
  • There is currently no resolution in sight regarding legalizing local, regulated betting or online casino gambling in Georgia

 

Georgia Casino Snapshot

Are online or land-based casinos legal in Georgia? No

Will there be a resolution about Georgia online casinos? There does not look set to be a resolution regarding online casinos in Georgia for some times. The absolute earliest we will likely see a resumption of the debate is in 2024.

Are there tribal casinos in Georgia? Even tribal casinos are not recognized by law in Georgia.

What options are there for players? Players searching for online casinos can still sign up with offshore sites which re fully licensed by a separate jurisdiction.

What is the legal gambling age? You must be at least 18 years of age to sign up with offshore betting sites and casinos.

 

How We Rank the Best Online Casinos in Georgia

Our experts know the industry inside and out, so while most online casinos appear to offer identical experiences for our players, they know they have rated plenty of different aspects to come to a more well-rounded conclusion. This is to inform you of the best choices you can make when signing up to an online casino, and is based on the following factors.

Range of Casino Games

Casino games should be on offer in great variety at the best offshore casinos. There should be over 100 slot games to give players a number of options in terms of graphics and jackpots, while it is great to see differences in table game lobbies; if there are lobbies for different experiences this is a real positive.

Quality of Casino Games

The quality of casino games is more contingent on the software suppliers each online casino has partnered up with. There should be 3D equivalents of slot games, live dealer options which are interactive for players who join each lobby, and games which are provably fair with high RTP percentages.

Payment Options

Your payment options with an online casino should be varied to cope with the demands of players in 2024. This means that, while traditional debit cards and wire transfers are still the most common types of payment, some cryptocurrencies should be available for depositing on the platform, as should one or two e-Wallets too.

Safety & Security

Each site should be rigidly secure regarding your account. Two-factor authentication should be available on each site to protect your funds. Equally, there should be measures in place for you to keep your gambling in check, such as self-exclusion once you deposit or bet beyond a certain amount.

Bonuses & Promotions

Every good offshore casino site offers substantial welcome promotions for you to enjoy on your favorite casino games. However, the terms and conditions that come with these should not be too taxing, while there should also be existing customer bonuses that allow you to play for free on more than one occasion.

Best Georgia Online Casinos – Bonus & Games Comparison

Here, we will analyse the best Georgia online casinos in more depth, comparing their bonuses, game offers and wagering conditions.

Casino Total Games Games Available Software Providers Welcome Bonus
Las Atlantis 250+ Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno Real Time Gaming, Betsoft 280% deposit match up to $14,000
Wild Casino 250+ Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno BetSoft, RTG, Evolution 250% first-time deposit match up to $1,000 + subsequent matches up to $5,000
Bovada 250+ Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno Betsoft, Rival Gaming, and Real Time Gaming Deposit match up to $3,750 using bitcoin
MyBookie 150+ Slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, keno BetSoft, Concept Gaming 100% welcome bonus match up to $750
El Royale 250+ Slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, keno Real Time Gaming, RTG 250% deposit match up to $12,500
BetOnline 150+ Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno Rival Gaming 3x 100% deposit match up to $1,000 each time
Everygame 300+ Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno Real Time Gaming Deposit match up to $5,555
BUSR 200+ Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno BetSoft, RTG, Evolution 100% welcome bonus match up to $3000
BetUS 100+ Slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, keno Digital Gaming Solutions 100% welcome bonus match up to $5000
Super Slots 250+ Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno BetSoft, Magma Gaming, Evolution Gaming Welcome offer worth up to $6,000

Discover Our Selection of Casino Guides

Popular Payments at Best Sites for Online Gambling in Georgia

Let’s now investigate the payment options available in our top Georgia online casinos. We will also break down the various fees and their payout times.

Gambling Sites Cards eWallets Crypto Deposit

Time

Withdrawal

Time

Fees
BetOnline Visa, MasterCard Person to Person Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum Instant 24 -72 hours 4.9%
TG Casino Visa, MasterCard N/A Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash Instant 1-5 minutes None
BetNow Visa, American Express, MasterCard Person to Person Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash Instant 24 – 72 hours None
Bovada Visa, American Express, MasterCard Zelle, MatchPay Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin Instant 24 – 72 hours None
Everygame Visa, MasterCard Person to Person Bitcoin Instant 24 – 72 hours None
BetUS Visa, Discover, American Express MasterCard Person to Person Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple Instant 24 – 72 hours None
Ignition
MyBookie Visa, MasterCard Person to Person Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Instant 10 -48 hours 4.9%
BUSR Visa, MasterCard Person to Person Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin Instant 24 -72 hours Variable
Sportsbetting.ag Visa, MasterCard Person to Person Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash Instant 24 – 72 hours None
Lucky Block Visa, MasterCard N/A Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash Instant 1-5 minutes None
Mega Dice Visa, MasterCard N/A Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash Instant 1-5 minutes None

Read More About Different Payment Methods

Tips for How to Stay Safe When Gambling Online in Georgia

While gambling sites will offer greater bonuses and other perks, it is important to remember that your safety is always the most important thing. There are some simple steps that you can take as a punter to ensure that your gambling sessions will be a pleasure.

1. Stick to Recommended Sites

Our expert researchers dedicate their time to critically analyzing different offshore gambling sites before we can make any recommendations. We check for licensing and security protocols among other aspects. Therefore, take your pick from our recommended sites for the safest experience.

2. Set a Strict Budget

While gambling is a powerful source of entertainment, without a budget, it can bring distress. You must set a budget and stick to it. Remember that you should never wager more than what you are willing to lose.

3. Use a Suitable Banking Method

There are various payment methods that are offered by gambling sites in Georgia. Pick an option that works for you. Using a credit card, for example, comes with multiple layers of security while eWallets have lightning-fast payouts.

4. Make Sure Your Network is Safe

Since you will be sharing sensitive data with the casino platform, it is essential that you avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Always use a secured network that cannot be penetrated by the hacking community.

5. Do Not Share Passwords

In order to eliminate the unauthorized use of your account, set up a strong password and make sure that you do not share it with anyone. Also, if you sometimes share your devices with others, do not save passwords and always log out after each session.

Georgia Online Casino Bonuses

Offshore casino bonuses for players in Gorgia are available in different formats. Ultimately, there are three types of bonuses which are the most popular formats in the state, and all mean slightly different things for the players involved.

Match Deposit Bonus

A match deposit bonus is one in which the house matches your first deposit by a certain percentage. This can be as little as 50%, but can also give you more bonuses than your deposit by matching it up to 200%. These will be bonuses you can use across the casino, effectively for free as they will not be your initial funds.

No Deposit Bonus

Though it may not be as lucrative as a match deposit bonus, one where you require no deposit at all often feels like a true gift from an online casino. You will simply receive free bonus credits up to a certain amount to use across the casino.

Free Spins

Free spins relate only to slot machines at an online casino. They are credits that can be used instead of your own funds, though you will win just as you do with your own money too.

What Games Can You Play at Georgia Online Casinos?

Online casinos in GA don’t compromise with casino games, and you will surely find something you enjoy. Here are a few of the kinds of games you’ll find and the best sites to play them.

Slots

All online casinos in Georgia offer an extensive collection of classic slots, 5-reel slots, video slots, etc., from the top developers in the industry.

MyBookie Casino is a great place to begin, but the slots are not as versatile as what you will find in BetUS Casino.

With more than 200 slot games, Bet US casino is a fantastic choice for slot lovers. If you are a fan of 3D, you will have a field day playing the 3D slots available in this casino. You won’t have any problems with the game experience either since the slot titles are powered by BetSoft and even 50 titles powered by Nucleus Games.

What’s more, you can play the slot games for free or for real money. If you decide to play for free, you can expect minimum bets of as low as $0.01, to as high as $300 or more.

Table Games

The best real money online casinos in Georgia offer a good variety of table games like Blackjack Baccarat and Roulette. Blackjack in particular is one of the most popular of the bunch because of its simplicity and decent payouts.

MyBookie Casino offers a great selection of blackjack games with options like Blackjack Multihand, 21 Burn Blackjack, Super 7 Blackjack, amongst others. Bet limits range from $5- $500, with some games as high as $2,500. Las Atlantis Casino on the other hand offers table limits between $1 to $250 in most of the blackjack games in this casino, which may also be too low for high rollers.

However, if you are a high roller, this may not be the right place for you since the maximum bet is on the lower end. If you are a high roller who enjoys larger bets, BetOnline Casino is where you should be. BetOnline offers a variety of blackjack games, including Single Deck Blackjack, Multi-Hand Blackjack, and American Blackjack all with minimum bets starting from $1 to as high as $10,000.

Also, if you want a blackjack game that offers a unique experience, you can try out the BetOnline Blackjack as it is one that you won’t find in other online casinos in Georgia.

Online Poker

Poker, especially the “Texas Hold ‘Em,” is very prominent in GA online casinos. Players enjoy it because of the various tournaments offered by online casinos. Wild Casino, which is the number 1 casino on our list, offers a great selection of poker games. These games come in numerous variants, with each having single-hand, pyramid, and multi-hand versions. You can expect games options like Deuces Wild, Split Way Royale, Jacks or Better and more.

Bet US Casino however has much to offer when it comes to poker, featuring more than 20 poker games ranging from Oasis Poker, Triple Edge Poker, and many more, all powered by BetSoft.

However, Bovada Casino topped all the other casinos because it holds numerous poker tournaments in three variants, including Omaha Hi/Lo, Omaha, and Texas Hold’em. These tournaments offer up to $1m in prizes up for grabs! Not many Georgia casinos can top this, making Bovada the best option for poker lovers.

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpot games are also extremely popular amongst players in Georgia. These games allow players to win life-altering cash prizes running into millions of dollars. Both Las Atlantis and MyBookie casino have a nice collection of progressive jackpot games on offer. Some of these include Cleopatra’s Gold Deluxe and Jackpot Pinatas Deluxe powered by Real Time Gaming.

Everygame Casino, however, is our top choice because of the number of progressive jackpots on offer. You will also find amazing progressive jackpot games like Cleopatra’s Gold and Aztec’s Millions. Recently, a lucky player managed to grab the Aztec millions jackpot of over $4m. If you enjoy the thrill of winning big, then the progressive jackpot slot options in Interlops Casino are your best bet.

Playing Live Dealer Games at Georgia Online Casinos

If you cannot make it to a Georgia casino near you, you might want to try an online casino with live dealer games. Each of the casinos in our list features live games ranging from Live Baccarat, Live Roulette, Live Poker, and many more.

# Live Games Types of Live Games Software Providers
Las Atlantis 10+ Blackjack, roulette, baccarat Real Time Gaming
Wild Casino 15+ Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Punto 2000 Betsoft, Nucleus Gaming
Bovada 20 Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno Real Time Gaming, Rival Gaming
MyBookie 32 Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Super 6 Rival Gaming, Real Time Gaming
El Royale 16 Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno, craps Aristocrat, Betsoft, Visionary iGaming
BetOnline 15+ Slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, keno, craps Real Time Gaming, Rival
Everygame 20 Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno, craps Real Time Gaming, Betsoft, Visionary iGaming
BUSR 16 Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno, craps Aristocrat, Betsoft, Visionary iGaming
BetUS 20 Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno Real Time Gaming, Rival Gaming, Betsoft
Super Slots
20 Slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, keno, craps Real Time Gaming, Betsoft, Visionary iGaming

Explore Our Casino Game Guides:

How to Play at a Real Money Online Casino Georgia

Playing in a Georgia online casino is not difficult, and with the right information, you can register in less than 5 minutes. However, you must be within the legal betting age, which is 18 or older in Georgia. If you have that box ticked, we have put together this easy-to-follow guide to make the process of registering in a GA casino seamless.

Step 1: Create your account

The first thing you need to do is hit the “Join Now” button at the top right of Wild Casino. When you do this, you will be required to input your details, including your name, email, password, etc.

Real Money Online Casinos Georgia [cur_year]: Don’t Miss Out On These 10 Offers From GA Online Gambling Sites

Once you have filled in the details successfully, you should see this:

Real Money Online Casinos Georgia [cur_year]: Don’t Miss Out On These 10 Offers From GA Online Gambling Sites

Step 2: Make a Deposit

After you have completed the registration, click on “Get Started,” as stated in the image above. This will then direct you to the cashier/banking page, where you will be required to choose your preferred deposit option. Pick one, and make the minimum deposit of $20. This amount may differ depending on the casino you choose, so make sure you check first.

Real Money Online Casinos Georgia [cur_year]: Don’t Miss Out On These 10 Offers From GA Online Gambling Sites

Step 3: Claim Your Bonus and Start Playing!

Wild Casino has an amazing welcome bonus offer for players. Remember to claim it as soon as you make your first deposit. If you do not wish to redeem the bonus, head over to the casino lobby and start playing.

Are casinos legal in Georgia? The legality of gambling in Georgia

Gambling laws are different in each state, and Georgia has its unique laws. Georgia is extremely strict when it comes to gambling in general. It is prohibited to wager on dog races, horse races, or play in casinos. The only type of gambling that players can engage in is raffles channeled at charitable organizations. Players can take part in lotteries or poker leagues that have no player buy-ins.

Fortunately, any resident of Georgia who wants to bet in casinos can use offshore casinos like Wild Casino.

Is Online Gambling in Georgia legal?

No, online gambling is not legal in GA, along with gambling of any kind. However, it has not been deemed illegal either, making it a grey area.

In 2020, there was proposed legislation to allow voters to weigh in on the expansion of gambling laws to allow land-based casinos and legal sports betting in Georgia. However, this proposal failed, and online gambling is still illegal in Georgia to date.

On the bright side, GA players can still enjoy gambling activities by playing in offshore online casinos. These are casinos that don’t have their servers in Georgia which means they don’t need a license from Georgia. Instead, these casinos are licensed by regulatory bodies like the Curacao Gaming Authority and can still accept players from all parts of the US, including Georgia. If you want to play for real money, you can check out the casinos we listed on this page, such as Wild Casino or BetOnline.

Georgia Gambling Laws

The Georgia gambling law has gone through an uphill battle for years. It all started in the early 1800s when gambling was accepted in Georgia. However, during this time, it was a thriving business.

On the other hand, in the 1870s, Georgia gaming laws began to be introduced to the industry. Then again, by the 1900s, almost all forms of gambling had become prohibited by the state.

Moreover, from the 1970s until the 1990s, Georgia was open to the idea of gambling again. Bingo and raffles became legal if the organizers didn’t receive any money or rewards from the draws. Additionally, Lotteries became available in Georgia. In 1999, slot machines and video poker became legal, through a loophole in the law.

In spite of these efforts, these proposals were all rejected. And for the most part, not much has changed within the Georgia online gambling law since.

Having said that, the only way to gamble legally within state lines is by stepping foot at the Emerald Princess Casino where the legal gambling age in Georgia is 21 years or older. Also, another viable option is to find a reputable and licensed offshore casino that is available for US-based players.[/su_note]

Offshore Gambling

Offshore gambling is a big side of the online gaming industry as it makes online betting accessible to US players. Although its legality is somewhat of a grey area, it is still an option for many. With new offshore online casinos popping up, ensure that the Georgia betting sites you choose for gambling are reputable and legitimate.

Ways to verify if an offshore online casino is trustworthy

  • Check for a license logo from gambling commissions such as the UKGC or MGA that should be able to be found with ease on the casino website
  • Browse the payment methods, in search of well-known and reliable options like credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies
  • A decent range of software providers and game selection is another testimony to the legitimacy of an online casino, no matter where in the world
  • Read through the general and bonus Terms and Conditions; this is an excellent way to get a sense of the fairness of the casino
  • Test out the customer support methods to see how quick they are at resolving any issues you might have as well as how efficient and dedicated they are

Also, bear in mind that even though these online casinos are most likely based outside of the United States of America, residents in Georgia state can play at them.

Will Georgia Regulate Online Gambling in the Future?

Georgia is amongst the most restrictive states when it comes to online casino gambling. The state had been immensely anti-gambling even before online gambling in Georgia was a possibility. In this light, it is highly unlikely that Georgia will regulate online gambling in the future. Legislative efforts have been made to legalize retail casinos, but they failed to garner much support.

Amending the laws concerning online gambling in Georgia would take an arduous process. A referendum asking voters to support a change to the restrictive Georgia gambling law. Lawmakers would need to approve the proposed referendum. If they approve it, the General assembly will then have to pass the referendum by a two-thirds majority.

A lot of legislative gymnastics are involved, but most states have already done this. Unfortunately, none of the past gambling bills have managed to garner support from the Senate and the House. Therefore, the chances of Georgia regulating gambling soon are slim to none.

Legal Online Gambling in Georgia vs. Offshore Sites

The internet is sprinkled with a fair share of online casino sites being promoted as legal in Georgia. However, the state of Georgia does not allow any land-based or online betting except the state lottery. This means that those sites you see online are not legal in Georgia but are offshore casinos located outside the United States.

Offshore casinos do not abide by the Georgian gambling laws, making them a risky workaround. If any disputes arise, the state does not have the legal framework to help you out. However, if you do choose to deposit in an offshore casino, you can check out our list of recommended Georgia online casinos.

Who Regulates Online Gambling in Georgia

The state, through the Commercial Gambling Unit (CGU) and the Georgia Lottery, is responsible for overseeing all types of gambling activities. Any game of chance with potentially substantial winnings attached is considered illegal unless sanctioned by these regulators. The CGU and State Lottery set all the rules including age restriction and types of games that are permissible.

However, there is currently no explicit legislation on internet gambling in the state. While you play at offshore casinos, you must check to see if the particular platform is licensed in the country where it operates.

Who can Gamble Online in Georgia?

Online gambling is not legal in Georgia, so lawmakers can’t exactly have a list of prerequisites for online bettors. However, this does not mean the offshore casinos themselves do not have their own set of requirements.

The minimum requirement for offshore gambling online in Georgia is 18 years. To be eligible to withdraw your funds from an offshore casino you’ll be required to show your ID. More so, only players who can satisfy the minimum deposit amount will be able to play. Anyone interested in playing online casino games will also need an up-to-date Android, iOS, or Windows system for smooth gameplay.

History of Gambling in Georgia

Georgia has always been a highly conservative state. Its gambling history involves cracking down on unlicensed operators and getting them out of business. The first type of gambling came in the form of Southern lotteries in the 1800s, led by Louisiana, Georgia’s southern neighbor. However, in 1878, Georgia passed a law that made the sale of lottery tickets illegal. This did not change until 1993 when the modern state lottery was put in place.

Georgia refused to change its stance even as neighboring operators made changes by legalizing horse race betting through Pari-Mutuel or pooled machines. However, it budged a little in 1978 by allowing charity bingo and raffles, which, even to date, require strict licensing.

Residents of Georgia have always found creative ways to engage in gambling activities even with the laws. These include online poker and gambling, which aren’t banned in many states aside from Georgia. The most successful way this has been turned around is through cruises to no specific location, which begins from the coast of GA. Here, you get into a ship that sails to international waters, allowing you to gamble legally. As of now, only one of the boats is in operation.

Banning of Machines

In 1999, South Carolina banned video poker machines, and many of these devices landed in Georgia. Because of a loophole in the law that had to do with payouts, it meant these machines were legal. But in 2002, the government pushed some legislation forward that made these machines illegal.

Like other states, numerous internet cafes popped up and are utilized as quasi-casinos. These hidden establishments allow many people to enjoy gambling activities. However, the state prosecutors noticed them in 2011 and have been reigning in on them since then. In 2012, the Republican senate voted that a casino that would help pay for education should be established. However, this vote did not make it through, even though it narrowly did. The implication is that there is still a slight chance that gambling will be legal in Georgia in the future.

Overview of The Most Important Dates

  • 1800s: Southern lotteries came into Georgia as the first form of Gambling
  • 1876: The sale of lottery tickets was deemed illegal
  • 1978: Charity raffles and bingos became legal
  • 1993: The modern state lottery was created
  • 1999: Many video poker machines were banned in South Carolina and found their way to Georgia
  • 2002: Video poker machines were deemed illegal
  • 2011: Crack-down on quasi casinos
  • 2012: Republicans push for the creation of a casino but failed
  • 2019: HB976, proposing a state-operated gambling commission, fails to advance
  • 2023: House Joint Resolution 210, proposing legalized horse racing and casino betting in Georgia, fails to pass

Tax on Online Gambling Winnings in Georgia

You are probably wondering if you can keep all of your winnings after a successful streak on slots or cards. In Georgia and most US jurisdictions, gambling winnings are treated as taxable income.

Generally, players who meet the legal gambling age will be able to hold on to all of their cash if the amount is $600 or less. However, Georgia requires players to report all winnings to the authorities. So, if you reside in Georgia and win while playing online in another state, the tax collector will grab between 1% to 6% of your cash. You will also need to pay a mandatory 24% to the IRS.

Georgia Gambling Revenues

Georgia earns money from only its state lottery since it does not support land-based casinos. However, its lottery is the most popular in the United States. In the fiscal year 2020, the lottery amassed $1.23 billion, while in the fiscal year 2021, it amassed over $1.5 billion.

By law, half of the money earned is allocated to prizes, one-third to education, and the rest to running and marketing the lottery. The money for education is used to fund the HOPE scholarship. To date, the Georgia Lottery Corp has returned over $23.8 billion for education.

Georgia Cruise Ship Gambling

Georgia Cruise Ship Gambling

The absence of legal online or land-based casinos in Georgia is a major letdown for betting enthusiasts based in the state. However, players can turn to the Emerald Princess cruise casino. This is a riverboat that loads in Brunswick and Georgia. Then to avoid the law of the land forbidding gambling, the ship sails three miles out into international waters.

Here is where all the betting action starts. Gambling cannot start before the ship reaches international waters. The Emerald Princess Casino hosts over 250 slot machines, roulette (many variations), craps, poker & video poker, many blackjack tables, and plenty more games to choose from.

Players are required to pay $15 to board the Emerald Princess. Then while the ship takes short trips in international waters, passengers can begin placing their bets. The cruise usually lasts from five to six hours and they take place from Thursday to Sunday.

Just remember that the state of Georgia has no control over what happens in international waters. The floating casino does not follow any laws set by any regulator. This means that the casino does not follow any payback percentages.

Cruise casino house edges can go up to 10-15%, which is startlingly high compared to land-based and online ones. The house edge for a game is reached by using the rules of the particular game. Roulette wheels have the same payback percentage when they have the same number of zeros. Craps always have the same edge regardless of where you play.

Land-Based Casinos in Georgia: GA Casino Locations

Now, you may be wondering, “Does Georgia have casinos?” or “are there any casinos in Georgia“? Well, the simple answer is no. There are no land-based casinos in Savannah Georgia, Atlanta Georgia, or any region in the state of Georgia for that matter. However, gambling on a cruise ship is considered legal under Georgia legislation.

Casinos in Savannah, Georgia

There are unfortunately no land-based casinos in Savannah Georgia. However, you can head over to the Emerald Princess Cruise Ship nearby where you can gamble legally.

Emerald Princess Brunswick: Best Georgia Casino for International Waters

Address: 1 Emerald Princess Drive, Brunswick, 31523Emerald Princess Casino Georgia

The Emerald Princess is a casino situated on a very appealing cruise ship in Brunswick, Georgia, just one hour south of Savannah. This casino welcomes adults over 18 and features two vast gaming halls with numerous gambling activities that will satisfy any avid gambler.

You will have plenty of choice, with over 200 slot machines available as well as numerous table games and bingo nights every night in the Double Down Lodge.

Players can also enjoy the view from the magnificent observation deck and enjoy delicious meals.

Casinos in Atlanta, Georgia

So, what about Atlanta? What are the Atlanta Georgia casinos locations? Unfortunately, there are no casinos in Atlanta either and The Emerald Princess Cruise Ship is not a convenient choice as it is almost 314 miles away.

Your best bet if you are based in Atlanta, Georgia, is therefore to sign up to one of the offshore online casinos we recommended such as Wild Casino or BetOnline.

How Georgia Online Gambling Compares to its Neighboring States

Frantic efforts to reform gambling legislation in the state of Georgia were to no avail and online gambling remains banned. There are numerous US states yet to regulate gambling explicitly. Let’s see where Georgia’s neighbors stand.

To the north, the Tennessee legislation is still opposed to online gambling. However, there is no specific ban on offshore gambling sites. Players can still play at any licensed casino outside the United States without complications.

Looking at South Carolina, all we could see was Daily Fantasy Sports. All other forms of online gambling are not permitted and the state hasn’t shown much interest in exploring the possibilities.

Alabama is pretty much like Georgia as it does not allow casinos or bookies. A 2021 ruling dismissed a proposal to remodel gambling laws in the state and there is not much else happening on the legal landscape at the moment.

Georgians can travel to the Sunshine State for regulated in-person gambling on sports or casino games. Florida has legalized most forms of gambling but is still working on regulating online casinos.

Online Gambling Sites vs Land-Based Gambling Facilities in Georgia

There are many gamers who believe that playing at a physical casino is the most exhilarating experience. However, online casino gaming has a ton of benefits that you will immediately notice. And software providers are working tirelessly to make internet casino games more realistic.

It is a valid argument that the brick-and-mortar casino atmosphere is unbeatable. However, except for the Emerald Princess, a boat casino, there are no land casinos in Georgia. So, imagine having to travel to another state to get your bets in. Here are the most important advantages of Internet gambling.

Pros:

  • Online casinos offer huge sign up bonuses
  • You will get flexible betting limits
  • You can play some games in demo mode for practice
  • Easy to go through all the games and sports
  • You can use the self-exclusion tool to control your gambling habits

Cons:

  • Nothing beats the physical casino environment
  • It may take days to process payouts

What are the Closest Casinos Outside of Georgia?

With Georgia continuing to outlaw any gambling activity either online or in person, prospective players will have to cross states in order to find their nearest casinos. There are some nearby though, as listed below:

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, FL

This casino and hotel in Tampa, Florida is between three and four hours from the Georgian border. with over 5,000 slots and a large area for table games, this casino provides an immersive experience for their guests.

Harrah’s Cherokee in Cherokee, NC, and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley in Murphy, NC

In North Carolina, players have two options if traveling from Georgia, both under the Harrah’s title. Each of these casinos is within a three-hour drive of the state border between Georgia and North Carolina, so they represent the nearest options available to Georgia casino goers in this state.

777 Victoryland Casino in Shorter, AL

Over in Alabama, the 777 Victoryland Casino also plays host to a greyhound racing track for a wider gambling experience. The location is just an hour from Alabama’s state border with Georgia, so players in GA will not find any locations closer for casino gaming, although their offering is slightly smaller, with only 500 slot machines.

Responsible Gambling in Georgia

The most prominent state-based resource in Georgia for responsible gambling is the Georgia Council on Problem Gambling, which is free to access online. This is a great resource for players who believe gambling is taking over too much of their lives, or for whom it has become a serious loss maker.

You can also take steps on offshore gambling sites to be responsible yourself; you can set self-exclusion measures to ensure that you do not deposit or bet over a certain amount. However, if these measures do not help there are also national organizations dedicated to helping problem gamblers:

Georgia Legislative Resources

If you want to keep yourself informed about the latest legal status of gambling in Georgia, then you can consult the following two resources listed below:

Georgia Gambling Resources

For help with problem gambling issues, for yourself, or for someone close to you, then please consult either or both of the resources we have listed below.

Best Real Money Online Casino Georgia

Even though the major forms of gambling in Georgia are still illegal, you can still gamble by playing in offshore online casinos in Georgia that accept players from Georgia, like those we have covered above.

Out of all the options we covered in our extensive review, Las Atlantis Casino stood out from the casinos in Georgia with a balanced selection of slot games, table games, and live dealer games. There is also a very profitable welcome bonus offer to get you started in the casino. These and many more make it a great casino to use if you want to experience the thrill of online gambling in Georgia.

 

Georgia Online Casinos FAQs

Will I face trouble for playing at online casinos in Georgia?

What is the best online casino in Georgia?

Are online casinos in Georgia safe?

Which online casino has the best payouts in Georgia?

Can I win real money at online casinos in Georgia?

How Do I Stay Safe Playing Casino Games Online in Georgia?

Are online casinos legal in Georgia?

Author photo
Bram Welch
Sports Editor

Bram Welch has been writing about sports betting and iGaming for over five years now, starting as a freelancer before joining our team. Previously he worked teaching English as a foreign language and as a journalist for the UK's largest regional newspaper.

All posts by Bram Welch
Author photo
Bram Welch Sports Editor

Bram Welch has been writing about sports betting and iGaming for over five years now, starting as a freelancer before joining our team. Previously he worked teaching English as a foreign language and as a journalist for the UK's largest regional newspaper.

All posts by Bram Welch