THERE is no legal sports betting available in Georgia just yet, but there is clear backing for legislation with two bills passing the Senate before unrelated issues prevented them reaching the governor. There is a good chance an updated bill will re-emerge later this year, with online sportsbook FanDuel clearly thinking sports betting is on its way to the Peach State by investing $15million to open an IT centre in Atlanta.
But at present there is no online or in-person sports betting available, and while other states in a similar situation possess gambling alternatives with casinos or horse race betting, Georgia has no casinos and there is an outright ban on wagering on horse racing. The one legal form of gambling is the state lottery, which has been running since 1992, with the lack of alternatives in Georgia going someway to explaining the $1billion-plus per annum generated by the event.
There are several offshore sportsbooks which are open to US residents, including those in Georgia, that will allow online sports betting, but these operate outside US law; this means players participate without any legal protection with no guarantees winning bets will be paid out and accounts at the risk of being closed down with deposits lost.
Georgia Betting
Sports betting in all forms is outlawed, with the state possessing no land-based outlets for gambling, and no online sportsbooks have been legalized.
Georgia Casinos
One of the few states in the US to have no land-based casinos, and there is no legal route to online casino play.
Georgia Poker
Online poker is illegal and there are no lawful establishments offering in-house poker play.
Georgia Horse Racing Betting
The state has no race tracks but there are two annual horse racing events. However, parimutuel betting is illegal and whereas many other states allow the use of advance-deposit wagering operators like BetAmerica and TVG, these are banned in Georgia.
Georgia Lottery
The Georgia lottery is the only legal form of gambling in the state, with ticket sales available from retailers located throughout Georgia. It is also one of the few states in the US to allow online lottery ticket purchasing, with the minimum age to play being 18.
Georgia DFS
While the lottery is the only legalized form of gambling, DFS events operate in a legally gray area. They are not regulated but entries from residents of Georgia are accepted by sites like FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy and DraftKings.
FAQs:
Is it legal to gamble in GA?
There are limited opportunities for bettors in Georgia with the state lottery the only legalized form of gambling.
Where can I get help with problem gambling in GA?
Gambling can be enjoyable for many, but for some it can be problematic. If you, or someone you know, is struggling to cope, help is available. Georgia – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).