Georgia maintains one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the United States. Historically rooted in conservative policy, the state strictly limits gaming activities and authorizes only a handful of regulated forms.
At present, the Georgia Lottery is the central pillar of legal gambling, generating billions in revenue annually and funding the HOPE Scholarship and other educational initiatives. Outside of the lottery and charitable gaming, most traditional gambling categories like casinos, sports betting, horse racing, and online gambling remain not licensed or regulated within the state.
Despite the restrictive structure, interest in gambling expansion continues to grow among residents, legislators, and business groups. Debates surrounding sports betting, horse racing, and resort-style casinos reappear in most legislative sessions. These proposals typically emphasize economic development, tourism, and education funding, though none have passed to date.
Georgia’s unique stance also means there are no legal tribal casinos or tribal gaming operations. While several Native American groups have historical or cultural ties to the region, none hold federal recognition within Georgia, and no tribal-state gaming compacts exist.
Overall, Georgia’s gambling landscape is defined by cautious regulation, reliance on lottery revenue, and ongoing political discussion about possible future expansion.
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Overview: Georgia Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
Georgia differs from many states in the Southeast because it does not have any federally recognized tribes within its borders.
Without federally recognized tribes, the state has no tribal lands eligible for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). As a result, tribal gaming, whether casinos, bingo halls, or sports betting, plays no role in the Peach State’s gambling landscape.
Although federally recognized tribes, such as the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Cherokee Nation, have deep ancestral and historical ties to the state, their present-day headquarters and designated tribal lands are located outside Georgia.
Because Georgia has no tribal territories under federal recognition, it cannot enter into tribal-state gaming compacts, which are the legal foundation for tribal casinos in other states like North Carolina or Oklahoma.
Georgia is home to several Native American heritage organizations, such as the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe. However, these groups are not recognized by the federal government and therefore do not have the legal status needed to operate gambling enterprises under IGRA.
As a result, tribal entities do not influence Georgia’s gambling regulation, legislative efforts, or industry operations. All legal gambling decisions fall squarely under state authority.
Future developments could theoretically change if a tribe were to obtain federal recognition. But as of now, tribal gaming remains completely absent from Georgia’s gambling framework.
Key Georgia Tribes and Their Operations
As stated above, Georgia has no federally recognized tribes, this section profiles groups with historical and cultural presence. The following tribes do not have active gambling operations in the state, since none legally exist.
Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee
This organization represents individuals of Cherokee descent with historical ties to Georgia. The group promotes cultural preservation, genealogy research, and community education.
They do not possess federal or state recognition for the purpose of sovereignty or gaming rights. Consequently, they have no authorized gaming operations in the state.
Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe
The Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe is another organization claiming ancestral ties to the region. While active in cultural events and community programs, the group is not federally recognized.
Without federal recognition, the tribe cannot engage in gaming activities under IGRA and therefore has no gambling operations.
Other Native Heritage Groups
Various smaller heritage groups and organizations exist to preserve regional Native American history and culture. Like the organizations above, they have no legal authority to conduct gambling activities in Georgia.
Overall, no tribal entity, federally recognized or otherwise, operates gaming facilities in Georgia. Gambling expansion in the state is instead shaped entirely by legislative action rather than tribal compacts or tribal economic initiatives.
Current Georgia Gambling Laws
Georgia Constitution, Article I, Section II, Paragraph VIII
This law tackles the general prohibition on lotteries, pari-mutuel betting, and casino gambling. It explicitly authorizes the Georgia State Lottery (for education funding) and non-profit bingo and raffles.
Criminal Code (Prohibition & Enforcement)
These laws define what constitutes illegal gambling and the associated penalties.
Part 1 – Gambling (§§ 16-12-20 to 16-12-38)
- 16-12-21 (Gambling): Defines illegal betting as a misdemeanor.
- 16-12-22 (Commercial Gambling): Defines felony offenses like operating a gambling place, receiving bets, or promoting an illegal lottery.
- 16-12-35 (Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machines / COAMs): This section contains the core legal definition and restrictions on legal coin-operated amusement machines (Class B), stipulating that prize values must be non-cash and limited in value.
Part 2 – Bingo (§§ 16-12-50 to 16-12-63)
This section lays out specific rules for non-profit organizations to legally operate bingo games, including licensing, age restrictions, and required reports.
Georgia Lottery Corporation (GLC) COAM Licensing and Reporting Website
This is the regulatory portal for Class B Coin-Operated Amusement Machines (COAMs). While not the statute itself, this website hosts the GLC Rules & Regulations Manual, which details the operational, financial, and licensing requirements for these machines, which are legal only if they comply with the strict non-cash prize limits defined in the criminal code (§16-12-35).
Latest Georgia Legislative Updates
Senate Resolution 131 (SR 131)
A Constitutional Amendment proposing to legalize both sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia. It would authorize the General Assembly to create a Gaming Commission, set a 20% tax rate, and issue at least eight casino licenses. The proposal explicitly prohibits off-site (online) casino gambling.
House Bill 686 (HB 686): Georgia Sports Betting Act
The “Georgia Sports Betting Act” is an enabling bill proposed setting up the structure for legal sports betting, including a high number of licenses (up to 16) and a projected 24% tax rate on sports betting revenue.
House Bill 910 (HB 910): Georgia Lottery Game of Sports Betting Act
HB 910 is another enabling bill proposing the regulation and taxation of sports betting under the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
Senate Bill 102 (SB 102)
SB 102 amends Title 16 (Crimes and Offenses), Chapter 12 (Gambling) to revise and strengthen provisions against dogfighting and the fighting of game cocks, including the prohibition of possession, training, or selling of game cocks with intent to fight.
Georgia Land-Based Sports Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based sports betting in Georgia is not licensed or regulated. Despite growing interest nationwide and widespread adoption in neighboring states, Georgia maintains a strict prohibition on sports wagering.
There are no retail sportsbooks, wagering kiosks, betting lounges, or casino-based sports betting venues within the state. Any in-person sports wagering conducted outside the Georgia Lottery framework is considered illegal under state law.
Legislators have introduced multiple bills seeking to authorize land-based sports betting, particularly through major sports venues such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Truist Park. Supporters argue that professional sports organizations could create safe, regulated environments for betting while generating substantial tax revenue.
However, efforts consistently stall due to political divides over gambling expansion and disagreements concerning oversight, tax rates, and potential social impacts.
Because sports betting requires an amendment to Georgia’s constitution, the approval process is more complex than in many other states. Lawmakers must first approve the amendment with a two-thirds majority before sending it to voters for final approval.
Until such changes occur, Georgia residents have no legal way to participate in retail sports betting within state lines. In short, land-based sports betting remains off-limits, with no licensed operators, facilities, or regulated systems in place.
List of Land-Based Sports Betting Operations in Georgia
None. Land-based sports betting is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Georgia Online Sports Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online sports betting in Georgia is not licensed or regulated. No companies are authorized to offer mobile or web-based sports wagering, and the state does not issue licenses for apps, platforms, or sportsbooks. As a result, residents do not have access to locally licensed online betting sites..
Despite the lack of regulation, online sports betting has been a recurring topic in Georgia’s legislative sessions. Lawmakers have introduced proposals that would allow the Georgia Lottery to oversee online sports wagering as a new revenue stream for education.
Some bills have also suggested direct licensing for commercial operators, including major national sportsbook brands. To date, none have passed.
Georgia’s political landscape presents challenges to legalization. Some lawmakers view online gambling expansion as an economic opportunity, while others cite moral concerns or potential increases in problem gambling.
Because full legalization may require modifying Georgia’s constitution, proposals require substantial legislative support before even reaching voters.
Until meaningful legislative changes occur, residents cannot legally place online sports wagers within the state.
List of Online Sports Betting Operations in Georgia
None. Online sports betting is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for Georgia Residents
Betting sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Georgia players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Georgia players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Georgia Land-Based Casino Gambling
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based casino gambling in Georgia is not licensed or regulated, making it one of the few U.S. states with a total prohibition on commercial casinos.
There are no physical casinos, slot parlors, card rooms, or tribal gaming facilities anywhere within state borders. Georgia residents seeking casino-style entertainment must travel to neighboring states or participate in cruise-based casinos that operate from ports outside Georgia jurisdiction.
Legislative efforts to authorize casino resorts surface regularly. Past proposals have suggested destination-style casinos located near Atlanta or other major regions.
Advocates argue casinos could attract tourism, create jobs, and provide new funding for education. However, opposition remains strong among lawmakers who prioritize maintaining the state’s historically conservative stance.
Because casinos would require significant legal changes, including a constitutional amendment, they face a steep approval process. Lawmakers must first pass the authorization with a two-thirds majority before Georgia voters could weigh in via statewide referendum. Political disagreements over licensing, oversight structure, tax revenue, and moral concerns continue to block progress.
Until the legal framework changes, Georgia does not have any land-based casino operations.
List of Land-Based Casino Operations in Georgia
None. Land-based casino gambling is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Georgia Online Casino Gambling
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casino gambling in Georgia is not licensed or regulated. The Peach State does not authorize any form of internet-based slots, table games, live dealer games, or other casino-style products.
Georgia law explicitly bans unauthorized online gambling activities, making it one of the most restrictive states for digital gaming. Lawmakers occasionally consider gambling expansion proposals, but online casino gaming has not been prioritized compared to sports betting or horse racing discussions.
Georgia’s strict approach stems from long-standing political resistance to gambling and concerns about addiction, fraud, and consumer protection. Supporters of legalization argue that regulated online casinos could direct funds toward education, mirroring the success of the Georgia Lottery. Still, the political environment remains unfavorable.
Currently, no domestic companies are licensed to operate online casinos in Georgia. Until legislation changes, online casino gambling remains prohibited, with no legal operators allowed in the state.
List of Online Casino Operations in Georgia
None. Online casino gambling is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Other Online Casino Options for Georgia Residents
Online casinos based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Georgia players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Georgia Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based poker in Georgia is not licensed or regulated, aligning with the state’s broader prohibition on commercial casinos and poker rooms.
Because Georgia law considers poker a form of gambling when played for money or valuable prizes, dedicated poker establishments cannot legally operate. The state does not permit poker rooms, poker clubs, or casino-style poker tournaments.
Some charitable organizations may host limited gaming activities, but these do not include poker tournaments, as poker falls outside the charitable gaming exemptions allowed under state law.
Occasional social poker games held in private residences exist, but only if no one profits as a host and all participants have equal opportunity. Even then, a game can become illegal if any element resembles commercial gambling.
Poker legalization efforts occasionally surface alongside broader casino resort proposals, which often include poker rooms as part of integrated entertainment facilities. However, because Georgia requires constitutional amendments for casino expansion, such changes face substantial political obstacles.
Currently, Georgia residents who wish to play poker legally must travel to nearby states with active poker markets or join casino cruises departing from other jurisdictions. Until legislative or constitutional changes occur, poker remains unavailable as a regulated activity in Georgia.
List of Land-Based Poker Operations in Georgia
None. Land-based poker is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Georgia Online Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online poker in Georgia is not licensed or regulated, and no domestic platforms are permitted to offer real-money games.
Georgia law prohibits unauthorized online gambling, which includes poker played for cash or prizes. As a result, well-known U.S.-regulated poker sites do not operate in the state.
Proposals to legalize online poker have been infrequent compared to discussions about sports betting or casinos. While some states have adopted online poker to complement their casino industries,
Georgia’s lack of legal casino gaming makes online poker a lower legislative priority. Additionally, the political environment has historically leaned against gaming expansion.
Legal online poker would require legislative authorization and possibly a constitutional amendment. To date, there has been no significant movement toward such reform.
List of Online Poker Operations in Georgia
None. Online poker is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Other Online Poker Options for Georgia Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Georgia players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Georgia players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Georgia Land-Based Horse Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Land-based horse betting in Georgia is not licensed or regulated, as the state prohibits pari-mutuel wagering.
This ban applies to racetracks, off-track betting (OTB) facilities, simulcast wagering, and any form of in-person betting on horse racing. Although Georgia has historical ties to horse breeding and equestrian culture, commercial racing venues do not legally operate.
Legislators have periodically proposed bills to legalize pari-mutuel wagering, often tied to the creation of racetracks intended to promote agritourism and economic development.
Supporters argue that regulated horse racing could stimulate rural economies and create both agricultural and entertainment jobs. However, these proposals consistently fail to gain sufficient political support.
Because Georgia would require enabling legislation, potentially even a constitutional amendment, the path to horse wagering remains complex. Opposition typically stems from concerns about gambling expansion, potential social impacts, and the state’s historically conservative stance.
While residents may attend horse-related events such as shows and exhibitions, none involve legal betting. Many residents travel to states with established racing industries when seeking live wagering opportunities.
Until lawmakers approve pari-mutuel wagering and a regulatory framework for racetracks, Georgia will continue to restrict all forms of land-based horse betting.
List of Land-Based Horse Betting Operations in Georgia
None. Land-based horse betting is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Georgia Online Horse Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online horse betting in Georgia is not licensed or regulated, and the state does not authorize any advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms. This distinguishes Georgia from many states that permit online wagering on horse racing through licensed operators.
Because pari-mutuel wagering itself is illegal in Georgia, online horse betting automatically remains prohibited. No companies can legally accept online wagers from Georgia residents, and the state does not issue licenses to ADW operators.
Despite interest from national horse racing organizations, legislative momentum has been slow. Some lawmakers periodically introduce bills seeking to establish a racing commission and authorize both live racing and online wagering.
These proposals highlight potential benefits, such as increased rural development and new revenue for state programs. However, political resistance to gambling expansion continues to stall progress.
Georgia residents who enjoy horse betting must travel to states with authorized racetracks or use out-of-state platforms when physically located in jurisdictions where such wagering is legal.
Currently, online horse betting remains fully prohibited.
List of Online Horse Betting Operations in Georgia
None. Online horse betting is not licensed or regulated in Georgia.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for Georgia Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Georgia players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Georgia Lotteries
Status: Legal
The Georgia Lottery is the central and most successful form of legal gambling in the state. Established in 1992, the lottery generates several billion dollars annually and plays a crucial role in funding the HOPE Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, and Georgia Pre-K programs.
Its strong performance is a key reason lawmakers have been cautious about expanding other gambling sectors. Legislators do not want to disrupt lottery revenues that support education.
The Georgia Lottery offers a wide range of games, including draw games, scratch-offs, multi-state jackpots, and digital instant games through its official website and mobile app. Online access is one of the few legally sanctioned forms of digital wagering in the state.
Players can purchase tickets, enter second-chance drawings, and participate in select electronic games through the Georgia Lottery platform.
The lottery is regulated entirely at the state level and maintains strict oversight regarding sales, revenue allocation, and player protection. Moreover, lottery updates and operational adjustments can be made without voter approval, giving the system flexibility to evolve.
Overall, the Georgia Lottery stands as the Peach State’s most robust gaming institution and the primary legal gambling option available to residents.
List of Georgia Lottery Platforms
Georgia Lottery
Operator: Georgia Lottery Corporation
The Georgia Lottery Corporation operates the Georgia Lottery. As the state’s few legal forms of gambling, the Georgia Lottery offers draw games, scratch-off tickets, multi-state jackpot games, and digital instant games. Moreover, the Georgia Lottery provides online ticket purchasing and account services through its website and mobile app.
Georgia Sweepstakes
Status: Legal, But with Caveats
Sweepstakes are generally legal in Georgia as long as they comply with state consumer protection and promotional contest laws.
These laws require sweepstakes to avoid functioning as gambling by eliminating the traditional wagering element. To remain compliant, sweepstakes must offer a free method of entry, avoid requiring purchases for participation, and follow strict disclosure rules.
Companies commonly use sweepstakes for marketing, giveaways, and customer engagement. These contests must remain transparent regarding odds, prizes, and rules. Businesses running sweepstakes must avoid prize structures or participation mechanisms that resemble lotteries or games of chance involving money.
Georgia does not regulate sweepstakes as gambling, but the state Attorney General can take action against misleading promotions or schemes that blur the line between legitimate contests and illegal gambling.
Because the state prohibits commercial casinos and many forms of betting, sweepstakes that try to mimic casino-style payouts without proper legal structure may attract scrutiny.
For consumers, sweepstakes represent one of the few promotional gaming-related activities available in the state. As long as companies adhere to legal requirements and clearly communicate rules, sweepstakes can operate legally in Georgia as marketing tools rather than gambling products.
Georgia Sweepstakes Casinos
Status: Gray Area
Sweepstakes casinos operate under a promotional sweepstakes model, offering casino-style games while awarding sweepstakes entries that can be redeemed for prizes or cash.
Because Georgia does not license commercial casinos or online casinos, sweepstakes casinos function in a legally distinct category. However, their operation must adhere to strict sweepstakes law guidelines to avoid classification as illegal gambling.
To remain compliant, sweepstakes casinos must provide a free alternative method of entry, avoid requiring purchases to play sweepstakes games, and ensure that any prizes are awarded randomly under transparent rules.
Players typically receive two virtual currencies: one for entertainment play and one used for sweepstakes entries. This dual-currency model is central to maintaining legal separation from traditional gambling.
Georgia has no laws targeting sweepstakes casinos, but strict gambling rules mean noncompliant operations risk enforcement action. Operators must carefully structure their platforms to comply with state consumer protection laws.
Georgia sweepstakes casinos provide an alternative entertainment option while navigating within the boundaries of promotional contest law.
Georgia Gambling FAQs
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