All casinos, including Indian casinos, are not permitted in Georgia, so you won’t find any Georgia casinos at all. The only option for those wanting a casino experience within the state is to head to the cruise ship casino in Brunswick, which sails out of state lines to allow gambling.
Gambling online in the “Peach State” is alive and well! If you’re looking for the best Georgia online casinos- Short Summary: Georgia is easily one of the most restrictive states when it comes to its gaming laws. The only forms of gambling that are legalized and regulated are charitable gaming (bingo and raffles) as well as the state lottery. While Georgia has not legalized Internet gambling, players who wish to do so should have little to worry about.
- At the moment, no Georgia online casinos exist, so Georgia casino apps are out of the question. In the entire state, there is a single casino establishment, the Emerald Princess Casino. It’s located on a boat off of Brunswick, GA, and sails into international waters to gamble legally.
- Georgia is one of the few places in the United States with strict laws that forbid legalized gambling. As a result, there are no land-based casinos located in the state. However, residents and visitors alike can still try their hand at any of the available US online casinos for Georgia gamblers.
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What Makes These the Top Georgia Online Casinos?
Trying to sift through the hundreds of top Georgia online casinos available can be a daunting task. It can be tough to tell which casino sites are “for real” and which are blowing smoke up your proverbial tailpipe. That’s where we come in! We’ve assembled a team of expert gamblers, industry insiders, and exceptional researchers to help create our list.
Here are the top three criteria our teams want to see.
Georgia Residents’ Favorite Games
Georgia residents LOVE to gamble. According to the summarized statistics below, lottery sales in Georgia comes in at a strong sixth place compared to other states in the US.
| Lottery Ticket Sales by State (in billion U.S. dollars) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 4.56 | ||
| New York | 9.69 | ||
| California | 6.28 | ||
| Florida | 6.06 | ||
| Massachusetts | 5.22 | ||
| Texas | 5.07 | ||
| Pennsylvania | 4.14 | ||
| Ohio | 3.93 | ||
| New Jersey | 3.29 | ||
| Michigan | 3.1 | ||
| Maryland | 3.05 | ||
| Illinois | 2.86 | ||
| North Carolina | 2.38 | ||
| Virginia | 2.01 | ||
| Tennessee | 1.63 | ||
Not only do residents of Georgia love games like the lottery, but they’re big fans of table games and slots as well. From our anecdotal research, we’ve found Georgia players to be big fans of blackjack, craps, roulette, and slots.
When crafting our list of the best Georgia online casinos, we make sure they offer the games local gamblers want to play. This process is not just a box to check, though. These casino games need to be high-quality, payout correctly, and offer any game variations the people of the great southern state of Georgia want. All of the Georgia casino sites on our list offer these favorites and more!
An Overall High-Quality Gaming Experience
Quality is something we look at heavily when reviewing and ranking Georgia online casinos. With so many options to choose from, there’s no reason you should ever settle for a less-than-stellar experience. From the moment you virtually step foot into the casino, you should feel like you’re dealing with professionals who care about your experience.
Some of the most important things we look for when it comes to the quality of a Georgia online casino:
- High-resolution graphics
- Smooth animations
- Games from the best software companies
- Regularly updated software
- Expertly laid out user interface
Trusted and Respected Operations
The last criterion on our list of what makes a great Georgia online casino is the most important. The online casino site must be trusted, respected by all, and known for offering a safe place for GA gamblers to play. When you gamble online, you should never feel like you’re gambling with the safety of your money when it’s not in play.
All of the Georgia online casinos we’ve listed here have passed our rigorous security and safety evaluation. One mark in the wrong direction and we’ll instantly remove a company from our list of the top online Georgia casino sites.
Things that we look for include:
- SSL encryption
- Dedicated security and fraud team
- Regularly updated and patched software
- Industry-respected software
- Proper banking integration
- Safe choices with third-party vendors
Are Online Casinos in Georgia Legal?
According to Find Law’s breakdown of Georgia gambling laws, there are currently no laws in GA that address online gambling. As we’ll cover later, all of the laws in Code Section 16-12-20 of Georgia law deal with brick and mortar casino and gambling operations.
Now, does this mean that Georgia online casinos are explicitly legal? It depends on who you ask. The consensus currently is that it’s a gray area. Legal hardliners will tell you that because Georgia law does not clearly state online gambling is legal, it is illegal. But Georgia law doesn’t say that playing hopscotch is legal. Does that mean hopscotch is illegal?
The consensus among rational legal minds is that there are currently no issues with gambling online in Georgia. No one has ever been arrested, charged, or even tried in the court of public opinion for gambling online in GA. If you’re looking to start your own Georgia online casinos, that may be a different story. There are federal statutes that deal with running an online casino, and since Georgia is a part of the United States, those laws apply.
The bottom line, in our opinion, is that gambling online in Georgia is okay. It’s a bit of a legal gray area, so if you’re really worried, you should reach out to a lawyer for their interpretation. As far as we are concerned, though, gambling is okay in the Peach State.
The Legality of Brick and Mortar Casinos in Georgia
If you’re looking for brick and mortar casinos in Georgia, you better pack a lunch, because you’re going to be looking for a while. The only option you have other than gambling online in Georgia is heading to Brunswick, to hop on the Emerald Princess Casino Cruise.
Why? Because Georgia law strictly prohibits land-based gambling operations in the state. Georgia defines gambling as:
“Betting upon the final result of any game or contest, or upon games played with cards, dice, or balls, in order to win money or other things of value, prohibited.” – Code 16-12-20 of Georgia State Law
Here’s the list of prohibited forms of gambling in Georgia. Keep in mind that it’s our interpretation these only apply to brick and mortar operations. If you want to get an answer you can take to the bank, you’ll want to contact an attorney.
- Casinos
- Chain Letters
- Commercial gambling
- Dogfighting
- Dog racing
- Election wagering
- Horse racing
- Pyramid clubs
You’ll notice that the Georgia State Lottery is conveniently left off this list. Why? Because the state is getting their cut. It’s clear that the issue is not casino games of skill vs. games of chance, but it’s games where the state of GA gets paid and games where they don’t. Tax money speaks volumes.
The Future of Gambling in Georgia
The fact that the Georgia State Lottery is legal is exciting. Why? It shows that the state is open to expanding to other forms of legalized gambling as long as they get their cut.
While we don’t have a crystal ball, we have a prediction. In the coming years, you’ll see Georgia roll out new legislation fully legalizing all forms of gambling in land-based establishments within the state.
Time frame? No idea. Guaranteed? No. But if we had to make a wager on what we thought was going to happen, it would be widespread legalization. Until then, stick to our list of the best Georgia online casinos.
Georgia Online Casinos FAQ
Always use a strong password on your account. Keep your password safe. Never log into your casino account from a public computer. Keep your antivirus software up to date. Never gamble with more money than you are willing to lose. Stick to the reputable online Georgia casino sites.
If you can follow these simple guidelines, your online casino experience in GA will be 100% safe.
- Bingo (1976), Lottery (1992), Video Lottery (2013)
- $918 million
- $1 Billion
- 18 for lottery and bingo, no minimum age for video lottery
- Georgia only bans smoking in restaurants that permit minors. Some local jurisdictions ban smoking in video lottery establishments.
- Lottery tickets, including instant games, are sold over the Internet.
Georgia was one of the last states to legalize any form of gambling outside of charities. It happened in 1992 when voters approved a constitutional amendment that created the Georgia Lottery. The only other form of Georgia gambling allowed before that was nonprofits offering games like bingo and raffles.
The Georgia Lottery turned into one of the largest gambling businesses in the country almost overnight. It later expanded into online sales of tickets, including instant games. Gray area slot machines were turned into a video lottery in 2013.
Despite the fact that there are no Georgia casinos, there are other options players can use. Georgia casino gamblers can go to either of the two Cherokee casinos in the North Carolina Appalachian Mountains or drive to Mississippi or Florida. Another option is to take a cruise ship from an Atlantic Ocean port, where casino games can be played once the ship hits international waters. Use our Georgia casinos map of services to find a business that offers cruise ship casinos and gambling rentals.
Paying Gambling Taxes in Georgia
Did you know that you have to report your gambling winnings? OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying gambling taxes straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.
Georgia Casinos Map of Businesses
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Types of Online Georgia Gambling Allowed
The only form of legal Georgia online gambling is the lottery. The Mygalottery.com website sells tickets to lotto drawings that include Mega Millions, Powerball and Fantasy 5. It also sells tickets for real money keno drawings that are held every three and a half minutes. There are also instant games that mimic slot machines. These tickets start at $.50 and run up to $2.
Daily fantasy sports sites claim exemption under Georgia’s skill gaming law. The Georgia Lottery launched an inquiry into this assertion by sending letters to major sites that operate in the state. State Attorney General Sam Olens is also investigating daily fantasy sports. Meanwhile, sites like DraftKings, Fanduel, Yahoo! And CBS Sports continue to operate in the state.
Types of Live Georgia Gambling
There are two forms of legalized live Georgia gambling . The oldest is charitable bingo. This is low limit action with small prize pools.
The other form of live gambling in Georgia is video lottery. This involves slot machines that require some level of skill. The technical term for these games is redemption machines. The most common games involve the machine showing three reels and the player using skill to determine which reel to move to place in the final spot for the best payout.
Some operators use machines that do not conform to skill being an element. There is still debate about how the Georgia Lottery will act in regards to enforcement of devices that do not fall completely within the rules.
There are no Georgia casinos within state borders, but players can certainly find alternatives. There are several different ways Georgia casino gamblers can play the games:
- Travel to nearby states, like Florida and Mississippi, and play at their casinos.
- Go on a cruise ship casino and play on international waters.
- Rent or hire Georgia casino services. The games are not played with real money, but the thrill is still there.
Georgia Gambling Laws
Georgia gambling laws make most betting and gambling illegal. Residents may not possess slots or video poker machines. Home poker games are legal but only if a rake is not taken from the pot or an entry fee demanded. Poker tournaments that offer prizes may not have a buy-in.
Bingo is only permitted for charities that register with the state. All revenue must be declared. Bingo may not have prize pools higher than $1,500 in a day or $3,000 in a week.
The Georgia Lottery was created to fund education. Taxes generated by the lottery must be used for the HOPE Scholarship. This funds college tuition for qualifying students. It also pays for pre-k classes.
- The devices must be connected to the lottery’s headquarters.
- The machines are charged an annual amusement licensing fee.
- The games must be slots that require some level of skill that affects the outcome.
- Players may not win cash.
- The only prizes may be store merchandise, gift cards or lottery tickets.
- Alcohol and tobacco may not be purchased with video lottery winnings.
- Violation of video lottery laws is a gross misdemeanor in most cases.
The Georgia Lottery began taxing the machines at 5 percent of net revenue in 2013. That number goes up one percent annually until it reaches 10 percent.
The Georgia Lottery is given the authority to regulate all forms of commercial gambling in the state. It may create new gambling segments without the authority of the state legislature. The Georgia Lottery has the power to open video lottery casinos, however, it has chosen not to do so. Management at the state lottery has refused to move into casino gaming without specific direction from lawmakers.
Where to Gamble in Georgia
There are no Georgia casinos that operate in-state. There is currently only one cruise ship that take Georgia casino gamblers into the ocean. The only ship remaining is the Emerald Princess II out of Brunswick. The Tradewinds Casino that docked in Savannah has been permanently closed. This ship offers all kinds of casino games including, slots, video poker, and table games. Players in the Atlanta area travel to Harrah’s Cherokee or Harrah’s Murphy in North Carolina or go to Mississippi for casino action.
This is the best alternative players have currently, unless legislation is passed soon where Georgia casinos can become a reality.
Video lottery is available throughout the state in convenience stores and bars. These are slot machines that require the player to perform one skillful act to complete the spin.
History of Georgia Gambling
Georgia Casino Bill
Georgia has long been a conservative state that frowned upon gambling. It took until 1976 for charities to be able to offer bingo and raffles. The rules to this day only permit prize pools of up to $1,500 per night and $3,000 per week. The proceeds must go to a registered charity.
State Lottery Created
Georgia residents approved a constitutional amendment to create a state lottery in November 1992. The first scratch-off ticket was sold on June 29, 1993. There were 52 million lottery tickets sold the first week. The sales goal of $463 million was hit in the first five months. It was the most successful lottery launch in history at the time.
The Georgia Lottery started a weekly lotto game the same year. It also joined multi-state drawings like Powerball and Mega Millions. Keno drawings were also added. This game is typically found in bars. New numbers are drawn every three and a half minutes.
Video poker made an unwanted entry into Georgia in the late 1990’s. The games snuck through the back door of a statute meant to permit redemption games at arcades. Video poker parlors opened throughout the state and peaked around 2000 after South Carolina banned video poker. Most machines were Pot O’ Gold machines that featured Shamrock 7’s, an incredibly popular video poker game in the South.
Video poker establishments were not permitted to pay cash. Gift cards and merchandise were the only items that were legal to pay winners. Many video poker halls got around this by opening identical establishments next door to each other in the same shopping center. A winner would receive a gift card from one business and walk next door and sell it for cash. Some video poker halls simply paid cash.
The games were not regulated for fairness. The only tax revenue generated came from machine licensing fees.
Governor Roy Barnes called a special session of the Georgia Assembly in 2001 to address the state flag. A video poker ban also came out of this legislative meeting. Video poker companies managed to defeat the law in the lower court but the Georgia Supreme Court threw out the earlier ruling. Video poker died in Georgia in June 2002.
The video poker ban outlawed machines that used cards or anything similar, as well as keno games. Slot machines that required any degree of skill were not banned. This was the next version of video gambling in Georgia.
Georgian Online Casino
Payout Rules
The same payout rules applied to these slots as video poker. Players could still not receive cash for winnings, nor could they buy alcohol or tobacco products. The state challenged the legality of the games and the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that slots that require skill were legal under state law. Lawmakers were left with two options. They could outlaw games that involved some chance at Chuck E Cheese and Dave N Busters or they could just accept that the slot machines were there to stay.
In 2013, the state legislature decided to accept the existence of slot machines in gas stations and bars by legalizing video lottery. A tax of five percent was levied on the games starting July 1, 2013. The tax rate goes up one percent each year until it caps at 10 percent. All legal games must be connected to a regulatory system monitored by the Georgia Lottery. There have been enforcement issues involved with video lottery. State and local police, as well as lottery officials, continue to battle underground video gambling.
The Georgia Lottery launched online games in 2014. Players can purchase tickets for lotto and keno drawings over the Internet. There are also instant games that closely resemble slot machines.
Casino companies have been scouting Atlanta as the next potential gaming market. Boyd Gaming, Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts are among the interested companies. The 2016 Georgia Assembly is expected to take up the discussion about Georgia casinos and gambling expansion.
Georgia Casinos & Gambling FAQ
Online Casino In Georgia
Are there casinos in Georgia?
No. The only Georgia casinos are cruise ships, with the only one remaining docking in Brunswick. They must go into international waters before they can legally offer casino games.
Harrah’s Murphy is the closest casino to Atlanta. Harrah’s Cherokee is only slightly farther away.
The Georgia Lottery regulates slot machines that require some skill.
Many gas stations and bars offer video lottery games.
Can you buy Georgia Lottery tickets over the Internet?
Yes. This includes lotto drawings, keno and instant games.
No.
Home games and bar tournaments with no buy-ins are legal. Commercial card rooms are unlawful in Georgia.
Harrah's Casino In Atlanta Georgia
The minimum Georgia gambling age is 18 for lottery and bingo. There is no minimum gambling age for video lottery.