Overview – Legal Sports Betting in Georgia Today

Georgia sports betting


Gambling in Georgia is mostly illegal, meaning that bettors of 18 years or older are permitted to play bingo, the state lottery, charitable raffles and play online bingo. Those that want to gamble with online bookmakers, and casinos, and participate in games held in online poker rooms, must do so via online bookmakers and Georgia betting apps.

Georgia’s gambling laws are some of the strictest in the USA, especially for those looking to participate in online sports betting in the state of Georgia. Boasting top NBA and NFL teams like the Atlanta Hawk and Atlanta Falcons, bettors are spoilt for choice when it comes to sports wagering.

State Georgia
Sports Betting Law Passed No ❌
Launch date N/A
Minimum Gambling Age 18
Online Sports Betting No ❌
Retail Sports Betting No ❌
Retail Casinos No ❌
Tribal Casinos No ❌
Daily Fantasy Sports Yes ✔️
Online Casinos No ❌
Horse Racing No ❌
Dog Racing No ❌
Esports Betting No ❌

The Georgia sports betting laws could potentially change soon. Many lobbyists in the public and private sectors are looking to move things forward. In the meantime, bettors can choose from a long list of excellent online bookmakers. The state will continue to allow millions of Georgian dollars each year to go to offshore bookmakers until the law regarding sports betting in Georgia is amended.

Top 5 Georgia Online Sportsbooks

We have researched this year after year, and we are always refining our list of the top 5 Georgia online sportsbooks. These sportsbooks are the best for Georgia specifically, as they contain local betting markets and are legally available in the Peach State.

SportsbookBonus ValueBonus CodeMobile AppLive StreamingCrypto DepositSign Up
Bovada logo50% up to $250BVD1000
BetOnline logo50% up to $1,000N/A
MyBookie logo100% up to $1,000MYB100
SportsBetting.ag logo50% up to $1,000N/A
xbet logo50% up to $500XBET50

Bovada

Bovada online sports betting in US

 

Bovada is our top-rated Georgia online sportsbook, and this is the case for many important reasons. Our readers always give us positive feedback for this option. For one, their reputation brings security, as this online betting site works hard to protect its reputation by providing speedy payouts and great odds. Plus, you can enjoy thousands of daily betting markets for teams in and outside of Georgia!

BetOnline

Betonline online sports betting in USA

 

BetOnline comes with a great sign-up bonus for Georgia sports bettors of all stripes. You can claim the signup bonus when you make your first qualifying deposit. BetOnline is one of those special sportsbooks that also gives you an even more generous bonus if you make that first deposit using Bitcoin. Combine this with their attentive and professional customer service team, and you have a recipe for success!

MyBookie

Mybookie online sports betting in USA

 

MyBookie always has creative and insightful and rotating promotions. Whether it is for the Peach Bowl, the Super Bowl, or the Stanley Cup, MyBookie seems to have an ace up its sleeve when it comes to keeping its players entertained. These betting options provide great opportunities for savvy bettors to have more fun and make more money. Their betting markets cover many sports and have a variety of bets within each sport, giving you plenty to work with as you flush out your betting portfolio.

SportsBetting.ag

Sportsbetting.ag online sports betting in USA

 

SportsBetting.ag is one of the best Georgia online sportsbooks, and one of the main reasons is that they have so many betting markets for teams like the Atlanta Falcons or Georgia Bulldogs. But that is not all that this great option has to offer. They also have plenty of other options that you can access all with the same account. So if you want to place some bets in the casino or in the racebook, you can do it all with your SportsBetting.ag account. Check out the great bonuses they offer in each of these great wagering sections.

XBet

Xbet online sports betting in USA

 

XBet is one of the newer sportsbooks in Georgia. Though, by this point, they have been around long enough for us to be sure about their trustworthiness and how they process their withdrawals. Their attentive customer service agents help make your experience here as smooth as butter. This is a big plus as well when it comes to their mobile interface, which is easy to use, and which you can access simply by logging on via your mobile device. This Georgia sportsbook is great for anyone who wants to place sports bets on the go.

How we review and choose these Georgia betting sites

How we review the online sportsbooks

In the majority of states that don’t allow sports betting, bettors have the option to partake in betting at land-based casinos. However, this isn’t the case in Georgia, where bettors won’t find any kind of betting markets apart from online bookmakers.

For the bettors that are looking to get involved in online sports betting, they have a broad range of online bookmakers to choose from as US citizens. One of the complications with online bookmakers is finding the best provider for online gambling in Georgia.

One thing that does confuse bettors: What qualities in a sportsbook should users require? Well, we’re here to answer that question. We’ve put together a list of the top five most valuable traits to look for in an online sportsbook.

BetOnline is a great example of a sportsbook full of bonuses. Their welcome bonus is 50%.

Is the Sportsbook Available in Georgia?

It’s a given, but this is often misunderstood by certain bettors. The first thing to do is to check the availability of betting in the state of Georgia regarding the sportsbook in question. While many still wonder if gambling is legal in Georgia, smart bettors are already taking advantage of the wealth of offshore bookmarkers at their disposal.

Customer Support

Nearly all of the points we make here today don’t match the importance of ensuring the sportsbook you decide to deposit with has quality customer service. When you’re dealing with money then you want to be in safe hands, no matter if it’s buying a car or wagering with an online bookmaker. Check out the history of the sportsbook. Find reviews, read forums and establish whether the bookmaker is reliable and if it has a history of first-rate customer experiences to back up the sportsbook itself.

EveryGame has great customer service, especially their live chat, which is available 24/7.

Security

Security is a major consideration when we review a sportsbook. We consider the safety of the user’s personal information, including credit card and banking information, to avoid potential theft and fraud. Another primary consideration is the licensing and registration of the sportsbook, making sure that is done through a reputable entity.

Payment Methods

With security and safety being of the utmost importance, we review and test the encryption methods of each sportsbook payment method to ensure user information is as safe as possible. For sites that offer multiple deposit methods, we vet each method (credit cards, paypal, crypto, bank transfer, etc.) to ensure user information is secure.

Mobile usability and Betting Apps

When it comes to sportsbooks, we know mobile access and compatibility are important factors. We look at all sites on mobile and consider if they are user-friendly. We also consider whether the sites have standalone apps or offer a mobile version of the desktop site. We consider ease of use for each mobile site or app and how they differ from the user’s desktop experience.

Sports Events covered by the sportsbook

Most sportsbooks cover the major worldwide sporting events and leagues. While some sportsbooks offer a small number of major events, others have a more robust selection of sports. It’s up to the user to decide which sites fit their needs. For those new to sports betting, it might behoove them to consider one of the more select sites in its offerings. More experienced bettors will enjoy the sportsbooks that offer a wide range of options When we review a sportsbook, we make sure to inform potential users of the sporting events it covers.

Enhanced Odds

Many sportsbooks provide a range of odds and often ones that are highly competitive, almost matching that of rival sportsbooks. However, something bettors should look for is sportsbooks that focus on specific markets that they’re interested in. Why? Well, because often sportsbooks will focus on particular markets and provide enhanced odds, meaning that these odds will be priced at an even better rate than rival sportsbooks—which is of great value to bettors.

WagerWeb is a great example of this. They are always among the first to update their odds.

Welcome Bonus and Promotions

For anyone that’s new to online bookmakers, you need to be made aware of the value of a quality welcome bonus. The fortunate thing for customers is that all sportsbooks are competing for new customers, as well as retaining the customer base they already have, so they are always trying to produce promotions and bonuses to draw players in. As such, there is some great value to be found in terms of Welcome Bonuses, as well as promotions that run alongside the major sports leagues.

BetOnline is a great example of a sportsbook full of bonuses. Their welcome bonus is 50%.

Upstanding reputation

One thing bettors must be aware of is that sportsbooks work very hard on marketing campaigns and can appear to be much better than they actually are. This means it’s down to the individual bettor to do their homework and find out what the community thinks of the bookmaker in question. We’d advise checking around online and making an assessment of the quality of service before depositing.

Bovada has been around for a long time and is a well-known and beloved sportsbook.

Deposit Methods and Withdrawals

As you sign up for different sportsbooks, it is a good idea to choose them based on your preferred deposit option. This is especially true for anyone who is considering using Bitcoin to fund their sports betting account.

Bitcoin betting sites will not only accept the cryptocurrency, but they will even provide you with an extra bonus. That is right! In addition to the added security and speed BTC provides, the sportsbooks love it so much that they will boost your welcome and sometimes reload bonuses to encourage its use.

Another thing to consider when it comes to withdrawals is how many times one can withdraw funds within a 24-hour period with a sportsbook.

Live betting options

Live betting or in-play betting is one of the most appealing and entertaining aspects of today’s online sports betting. This type of wager allows the user to bet on sports action while games are being played. Live betting makes fans feel much more involved in the events they watch. With live betting, we ensure sites offer timely odds and how often they update the lines during play. We also consider how many types of bets are offered during play and if user wagers go through promptly or if the site tends to reject more bets than it approves because of changing odds. We also consider if the sportsbook offers live streaming of sporting events.

 

Payout speed

No one wants to wait for their winnings. With that, we know how important timely withdrawals are to sports bettors. With withdrawal speed being a critical component to sports betting, we make sure to let users know the speed with which they will receive their funds when it comes to each withdrawal method each site offers.

Cryptocurrency is often the fastest way to get your funds in hand. Sites like Bovada and BetOnline usually deliver crypto payouts within 24 hours of request.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?

Georgia has yet to pass any law to license local sportsbooks, so sports betting in Georgia is not legal. But this does not mean that bettors in Georgia have to wait around. You can still bet on sports using sportsbooks based outside of the US, as the law does not directly forbid users from using offshore sportsbooks. You can sign up at any of the online sportsbooks we recommend on this page without a problem!

Online sports betting in Georgia US

What forms of gambling and betting are legal in Georgia?

While online gambling in Georgia is illegal, daily fantasy sports betting is legal in the state. Below is a detailed list of what is illegal and legal in the state.,

Legal in Georgia

  • Georgia State Lottery
  • Charitable raffles
  • Bingo games.

Illegal in Georgia

  • Casinos
  • Horse racing
  • Dog racing
  • Sports betting
  • Online gambling
  • Commercial gambling

Georgia and Daily Fantasy Sports

Georgia is not exactly the most gambling-friendly state, so it may come as a surprise that there are some daily fantasy sports apps operating in the state. They do so in a state of legal limbo where they are technically not illegal. You can visit some of the top options like FanDuel and create an account to start betting. But these tend to be pricey, and placing sports wagers at the sites we recommend here will bring you better bonuses and more competitive odds.

Is Horse Racing Legal in Georgia

Horse racing is not legal in Georgia. In 2023, lawmakers voted against Senate Bill 57, which would have allowed pari-mutuel betting. However, sports bettors who use offshore sportsbooks can bet on horse racing if those sites carry horse racing betting options.

Is Dog Racing betting Legal in Georgia

Dog racing betting is not legal in Georgia. However, sports bettors who use offshore sportsbooks can bet on dog racing if those sites carry dog racing betting options.

Is Casino gambling Legal in Georgia

There are no casinos in Georgia and casino games are illegal in the state. GA Code § 16-12-21. The code states, in part, that no one can “Make a bet upon the partial or final result of any game or contest or upon the performance of any participant in such game or contest; Make a bet upon the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or upon the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or Play and bet for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, or balls.”

Georgia residents who wish to enjoy casino games can use an offshore sportsbook to do so, as many of these sites offer casino games and some even offer poker rooms.

Georgia Sports Betting – Recent Updates

  • October 15, 2024 – The Atlanta Falcons face off against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 of the NFL.
  • September 3, 2024 – Donald Trump opens up a slight lead in the Presidential Race over Georgia, which has spurred pro-gambling lobbyists to believe positive change is coming.
  • August 11, 2024 – There’s hope for Georgia sports betting, but it’s stifled by a lot of anti-gambling lobbyists making noise as the wave of legislation continues to sweep the US.
  • July 18, 2024 – An ex-member of the University of Georgia’s football team was found to have breached NCAA sports betting rules by placing wagers in 2020.
  • June 20, 2024 – State Farm Arena announced a new marketing deal with PrizePicks, granting the DFS operator extensive brand exposure throughout the venue.

When will sports betting be legal in Georgia?

While there is no timeline for sports betting to be legalized in Georgia, there is some support for legalized sports betting. State lawmakers have debated many sports betting related bills in recent years, but none of those bills have made it through the general assembly. Sen. Bill Cowsert said in January 2024 that Atlanta’s pro sports teams could potentially set up kiosks in their facilities if sports betting is made legal in the state. Cowsert is a proponent of allowing the public to decide on legal sports betting.

“I don’t see anything to fear from a constitutional amendment,” Cowsert said. “It’s the right thing to do. Let the people decide when you’re making a major policy change.”

Potential Legal Sports Betting Sites in Georgia

While Georgia has not begun licensing sportsbooks, if and when they do, you can expect certain big name sportsbooks, like BetMGM and Unibet, to come rolling in. It is better to stick with the trusted names we have reviewed and recommended here for Georgia bettors, as they often offer better betting odds.

Georgia Sports Betting Timeline

Every year, Georgia and pro sports betting representatives drive a bill for change forward, with the movement gaining huge traction in 2024.

2024

Efforts to Legalize Georgia Sports Betting Once Again Fail

The state’s legislative session ended for the year on March 29, 2024 without making any progress toward the legalization of Georgia sports betting. Lawmakers apparently struggled to agree on how to spend prospective Georgia sports betting revenue.

2023

Georgia’s 2023 Sports Betting Efforts Fall Short

Despite optimism, legislative bills for legal sports betting (SB 57, HB 380, SR 140) faced setbacks and were rejected on March 6, 2023. With hopes pinned on 2024, legislators will regroup for a future push.

2022

Little Concrete Movement has been Made in GA

Many commissions and studies were published this year, and they tended to highlight the tax revenue that sportsbook licenses could generate in Georgia. However, the state government has yet to take up this recommendation.

2021

George House of Representatives Vote

A huge movement for the state’s sports betting bill, as The Georgia House of Representatives votes to legalize mobile sports betting. Many are hopeful the bill will allow sports betting in the next 12 months.

George State Senate votes to approval sports betting

With the introduction of SB 142, the Georgia Senate voted to approve sports betting legalization in the state, with the public allowed to vote directly on the bill.

2019

Sports Betting in Georgia “Inevitable”

Scholar Andrew Smith publishes an article arguing that sports betting in Georgia is inevitable, and that the state should start licensing their own sportsbooks right away. He says this is the best way to profit from the growing number of states that are opening up their own local sportsbooks and collecting that tax revenue.

2018

Supreme Court rules against banning sports betting

After a turbulent year for sports betting in Georgia, the Supreme Court ruled that it’s unconstitutional for the federal government to place an outright ban on sports betting wholesale.

2017

Bill introduced to build two land-based casinos

The Georgia state legislature pushes to introduce a bill for two land-based casinos in the state of Georgia, though the bull died later that same year.

Popular Teams and Sports to bet on in Georgia

 

MLB Betting in Georgia

  • Atlanta Braves – The Braves are a member of the National League (NL) East division. Before landing in Atlanta, they passed through Boston and Milwaukee.

NBA Betting in Georgia

  • Atlanta Hawks – The Hawks are a team in the league’s Eastern Conference Southeast Division. They were founded in Buffalo, but that only lasted 38 days before moving to Moline, Illinois.  They also passed through Milwaukee and St. Louis before coming to Georgia.
  • The Hawks are currently listed at +195 to make the playoffs in the 2024-25 NBA season, and at -250 to miss the postseason.

NFL Betting in Georgia

  • Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons are an NFL team that plays in the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965.
  • The Falcons have betting odds of -200 to make the NFL playoffs this season. The team’s odds to miss the postseason are +160.

Other events to bet on in Georgia State

While MLB, NFL and NBA betting get a lot of attention in Georgia because of the state’s home teams, by no means are they the only sporting events one can wager on in Georgia. Here are some other sporting events that take place in the state.

  • The Masters golf tournament, which takes place at Augusta National Golf Club.
  • The Ambetter Health 400 is part of the spring races on the NASCAR circuit the race takes place at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
  • Another NASCAR race that takes place in Georgia is the fall Quaker State 400, which is also run at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
  • The Atlanta Open is a stop on the ATP tennis tour. The event is played at Atlantic Station in Atlanta.
  • In 2025 the College Football National Championship game takes place at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta.
  • Of course, Georgia is also a big state when it comes to NCAA Football.

Nearby States with Legal Sports Betting

Georgia is in one of the most anti-gambling corners of the country. They have five neighbors, and three of them have passed laws to license sportsbooks: North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. Their other neighbors, Alabama, and South Carolina, are not likely to pass any gambling laws in the near future. Nonetheless, bettors in Georgia do not have to travel to place sports wagers. They can log in and play today on online sportsbooks.

How to sports bet in Georgia

Signing up for offshore sportsbooks is an easy process. The first thing you need to do once you decide which sportsbook you want to use.

For example, below is what it looks like to sign up for BetUS.

Step 1: Get started

The first thing you’ll need to do is click on the “Get Started” tab.

join step 1

 

Step 2: Provide your contact details

This is where you add basic details such as your name, address, and how you heard about BetUS. This is also where you add your password.

Step 3: Select your deposit method

Next up is selecting your deposit method and bonus. Before you complete this step, make sure you are getting the best available welcome bonus. Most sportsbooks offer their highest bonus levels on initial deposit.

 

chose deposit method

Step 4: Begin betting

Once your deposit and bonus show up in your account, it’s time to begin betting on your favorite sports!

start betting step 4

 

Bet using sports betting apps in Georgia

One nice thing about almost all offshore sportsbooks is that they offer either a mobile app or mobile access, meaning you can use a mobile device to place wagers, you are not restricted to using a desktop computer. For most sportsbooks, the process of betting using a mobile app  is the same as using a desktop.

Sports betting in Georgia

 

Below are three mobile sports betting apps we recommend.

Bovada App

Bovada’s mobile betting site offers users a seamless and fully functional betting experience. It eliminates the need for downloading from the App Store or Google Play, ensuring accessibility for everyone. The mobile platform mirrors the desktop site, providing a comprehensive range of features, including sports betting, casino games, and a poker room. The Bovada mobile app provides users with the added convenience of placing bets whenever they want, wherever they want.

Pros

  • No download
  • Easy to navigate

Cons

  • Better betting odds can be found on other sites
  • Some betting lines come out late in the day

BetOnline App

Although there is no dedicated BetOnline mobile app, you can still access BeOnline from any mobile device. The mobile experience allows users to enjoy the same seamless features as desktop users, all from the convenience of your phone or tablet.

Pros

  • Offers a multitude of betting options
  • Easy access to betting markets

Cons

  • Customer service can be hard to access
  • No cash-out options for bets

MyBookie App

The company does not currently have a downloadable MyBookie app, but its mobile site is fully functional and mimics the desktop app in every way.

Pros

  • Good mobile interface
  • Enhanced security

Cons

  • Number of events not as robust as some other apps
  • Better betting odds can be found on other sites

How to choose the right betting app

When searching for the best Georgia sports betting apps, it’s crucial to prioritize the app’s interface, and responsiveness. You also want to be comfortable with how the mobile app is similar to the desktop app. Today, it’s unusual to encounter major differences between desktop sportsbooks and their mobile apps.

Below are some things to consider when choosing the app that is right for you:

  • Make sure to use a sportsbook that does not infringe the current law in Georgia
  • Make sure to choose an app that is easy to use for your level of experience and betting limits
  • Make sure it is compatible to meet your specific needs – which could be live betting options, access to casino games, etc..
  • Make sure it offers live betting if you think that’s something you might be interested in
  • Make sure the app has live streaming if that is something you need, especially when it comes to live betting
  • Make sure you can easily reach customer service via the app in case an issue should arise

Make sure to bet safely and reasonably

When it comes to choosing a sportsbook, the peace of mind that your information is safe and secure is essential. The sites we recommend are all licensed and regulated, offering various security measures such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security audits. This ensures that you can focus on placing wagers without any worries.

Another key aspect of safety is the control you have over your betting. When choosing a sportsbook, look for sites that offer responsible gaming options and self-exclusion policies. Some sportsbooks even allow users to set their own deposit and betting limits, giving you the power to bet responsibly. You can usually find responsible gaming information in the site’s FAQs or by reaching out to customer service. 

Below are some resources for Georgia bettors

Resource Phone number Email Chat Link
Georgia Council on Problem Gambling

404-985-6785

[email protected]
National Council on Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700
Georgia Crisis and Access Line 1-866-922-7369

Check out these top Georgia sportsbooks