Is online gambling legal in Georgia State?
Written by
Joe - Poker PlayerLast updated:
February 22, 2024
The State of Georgia has always been one of the more conservative states regarding gambling. An umbrella ban on all kinds of gambling in Georgia makes it almost impossible for people to wager on anything. But there are always loopholes in every law, and the ban on gambling in Georgia is not an exception. Stay with us to the end of this article to find a complete answer to whether gambling is legal in the State of Georgia.
Is online gambling legal in Georgia?
The most straightforward answer to this question is no! Gambling activities are regulated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which has deemed online gambling illegal. So, what is there to do?
The truth about online gambling in Georgia is that almost none of the most popular online gambling websites will ban you because you are a citizen of Georgia. And the Bureau of Investigation will only go after the operators of the online gambling websites based in Georgia. Therefore, you are likely to be allowed on most online casinos and sports betting websites offshore. It’s reassuring to know that no Georgian citizen has ever been penalized for using an online betting website based outside the state. But if you want to stay within legal lines, you have a safer alternative.
A certain kind of online casino called Sweepstake Casino can be relied upon to provide legal gambling opportunities for Georgians. These casinos operate on two types of virtual money that can later be redeemed as real money. You can get a certain amount of Sweeps as a welcome bonus and use it to play different games and increase the amount. Sometimes, the websites have giveaway programs in which you can increase the amount of Sweeps you have. Because you are not playing with real money, the Georgian law against gambling does not apply to you.
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What are the legal kinds of gambling in Georgia?
Despite the fact that there are strict rules against gambling in Georgia, not all is lost. As mentioned before, you can always register on an online gambling website from another country. But there are other ways around this rule that make it possible for gambling lovers to have some fun!
Offline casinos on a cruise ship
Yes, there are offline casinos in the State of Georgia. But they are on cruise ships that travel to international waters to let the gambling start. The ships have to sail three miles offshore to be able to run the games. Currently, two cruise ships are equipped with a casino in Georgia, the Emerald Princess sailing from Brunswick and the Diamond Casino sailing from Savannah. These ships run most common casino games like Blackjack, Poker, Craps, and Roulette.
Lottery
Georgia has a state-run lottery that sells tickets to anyone over 18. This is the only legal lottery in the state, and the income is usually spent on the city and education departments. The Georgia Lottery Corporation officially oversees the lottery and allocates the income.
Charity Bingo and Raffles
Another type of legal gambling in Georgia is Charity Bingo and Raffles. These games happen in schools and churches with a license from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The non-profits that run the games are usually tax-exempt and use the proceeds to promote education and welfare in the city.
Coin Operated Amusement Machines
You can find a gaming machine, or COAM, in most stores and department stores in Georgia. These machines are also regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation and are considered legal under certain conditions. The winnings from these machines can only be in the form of vouchers for the same store it is located in, a lottery ticket, or coupons for buying fuel. It is illegal to gain any money from these gaming machines in Georgia.
What are the illegal types of gambling in Georgia?
As mentioned before, almost all forms of gambling are illegal in the State of Georgia. For instance, you cannot wager on sporting events, political elections, or games of cards, dice, or balls in Georgia. There are horse racing events in different Georgian cities throughout the year, but you are not allowed to wager on the outcome.
Betting on fantasy sports, however, falls into a grey legal area. There are no clear rules about this type of betting. What does it mean? It means, yes, online betting in Georgia is illegal, but fantasy sports are considered games of skill, and there are no rules banning them. Other types of illegal betting in the State of Georgia include dog racing, social gambling, and Cardrooms.
Final words
Residents of Georgia might have to jump through lots of hoops to engage in online or offline betting. Most Georgians resort to offshore gambling websites to play their favorite casino games or wager on sports and games. However, you should always accept the risk of having no legal support. In case of fraud or any other legal disputes between you and the online betting website, you won’t be able to file a complaint or defend your rights within the state.
In the case of offline betting, the best thing to do is to board a casino cruise ship and enjoy a few hours of safe and legal gambling in peace. You can also participate in legal charity bingo events with the added benefit of contributing to a good cause. Whatever the case, you must tread carefully in Georgia because after all, gambling is illegal here.
