Welcome to the ultimate guide for Georgia sports betting! Are you ready to get in on the action but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of sports betting in the Peach State, including the legal landscape, top sportsbooks, latest updates, and much more.
By the time we’re finished, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and information needed to start wagering on all your favorite sports and leagues. You’ll also learn how to get the most out of your Georgia sports betting experience and increase your chances of long-term success. Now, let’s get started!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?
In May 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, effectively removing the federal ban on sports betting across the United States. Many states quickly legalized the practice and launched online and retail sportsbooks within their borders. Today, more than two-thirds of U.S. states have permitted sports wagering in some capacity. Unfortunately, Georgia is not one of them.
Despite the considerable efforts in recent years by Georgia legislators, there is currently no legal way to bet on sports in the state. Georgia’s online casino and gambling laws are among the strictest in the country, as they also prohibit wagering on horse racing or dog racing and do not allow casinos to operate within state lines. As a result, residents are currently limited to lottery betting, bingo games, and charitable raffles when it comes to legal forms of gambling in the state of Georgia.
When Will Sports Betting Launch in Georgia?
State officials made many attempts to legalize sports betting during the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session. SB 57, HB 380, and SR 140 were all introduced and would have permitted authorized sports betting in various forms across the state.
However, all three proposals were either rejected or died during the state’s legislative session. As a result, online sports betting will not launch in the state of Georgia until late 2024 or early 2025 at the soonest, after the Georgia General Assembly has another opportunity to meet in early 2024.
What Are the Best Georgia Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?
Although online sports betting is not yet available in the state, it is expected that many of the top U.S. sportsbooks will look to enter the Georgia market should an opportunity ever present itself. Here are a few of the most likely candidates:
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook is a prominent mobile betting platform that provides a dynamic and immersive sports wagering environment. The platform offers distinctive features like live betting, early cash-out options, and a range of promotions to enrich the betting journey. In addition, the sportsbook seamlessly integrates with the BetMGM casino and poker offerings, offering a comprehensive online betting experience.
Caesars Sportsbook
Another appealing option is Caesars Sportsbook, which provides competitive odds and various bet types, including same-game parlays, prop bets, alternative lines, and much more. Caesars Sportsbook rewards customers through its loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, offering exclusive benefits both online and at their physical properties. Backed by a trusted brand, Caesars Sportsbook is the go-to option for sports bettors all over the United States.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook is a top-notch online betting platform known for its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of sports markets. It offers daily odds boosts, plenty of options for deposits and withdrawals, and excellent customer service. BetRivers Sportsbook also provides innovative features, such as live streaming of select events, and a generous welcome offer to all new customers.
SuperBook Sportsbook
Last but not least, SuperBook Sportsbook is a trusted and well-established name in the industry. The platform provides a wide array of betting options, covering professional sports leagues from around the world. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, SuperBook Sportsbook provides dedicated support and a user-friendly interface to ensure a smooth and enjoyable betting experience.
How Can I Bet on Sports in Georgia?
The options for Georgia sports bettors are quite limited. However, a few of the different opportunities currently available are discussed below.
Visit Neighboring States
The best option for Georgia residents, especially those who live in the northern part of the state, may be to visit nearby states that have already legalized sports betting. Tennessee and North Carolina each offer several different ways for anyone 21 years or older to place wagers on both college and professional sporting events. In the next section, we’ll further explore the specific opportunities available in these two states.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is another great option for sports fans across the state. Georgia does not regulate DFS sites but instead lets them exist in a legal gray area, as there are no laws allowing or prohibiting these types of platforms.
As a result, residents of the Peach State can sign up, draft teams, and enter contests with DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, OwnersBox, and many of the other top DFS operators to compete for their share of huge prize pools.
Horse Racing
Although horse races take place every year in Georgia, betting on these competitions is prohibited all across the state. There are currently no options available for on-track or off-track betting, and residents will not be able to place wagers on the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, or any of the other top horse racing events taking place across the United States.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Lastly, offshore sportsbooks (e.g., MyBookie, BetOnline, and Bovada) offer Georgia residents a way to bet on their favorite players and teams online. These platforms operate outside the jurisdiction of the United States and commonly offer competitive odds, attractive welcome bonuses, and betting options on a wide range of sports and leagues from all over the world.
However, it’s important to note that using offshore sportsbooks carries certain risks. These include potential legal uncertainties, limited consumer protections, and difficulties in dispute resolution. Georgia residents should carefully consider these factors and weigh them against the benefits before engaging with offshore sportsbooks.
Where Can I Bet on Sports in Georgia?
Since sports betting has not yet been legalized in Georgia, there is no way for residents to place wagers within state lines. Fortunately, a few neighboring states permit online or in-person wagering on sporting events and allow Georgia residents to join in on all the excitement when they come to visit.
North Carolina
Retail sports betting became legal in North Carolina when Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 154 into law in July 2019. Today, three different locations in the Tar Heel State accept in-person wagers: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. All three retail sportsbooks are located in the southwestern part of North Carolina and are just a quick road trip away for many Georgia sports bettors.
Tennessee
In November 2020, online sports betting launched in Tennessee. BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and several other mobile sportsbooks are currently available to anyone physically located within state lines. Atlanta residents are less than a two-hour drive from Chattanooga and may consider taking a drive up north every now and then to place bets on all their favorite sports and leagues.
How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Georgia
Time needed: 6 minutes
Do you live in Georgia and want to join the exciting world of sports betting? Just follow the six simple steps outlined below!
- Choose Your Sportsbook
Pick a sportsbook that aligns with your unique betting needs and is available in a nearby state. We highly recommend BetMGM, Caesars, and SuperBook Sportsbook (all of which are available in Tennessee).
- Register for an Account
Download your sportsbook’s mobile app, or visit its website on your preferred device. Complete the sign-up process by entering all required personal information, choosing a username and password, and agreeing to the Terms & Conditions. Since most states allow remote registration for sports betting accounts, you will likely be able to complete this step from home or from anywhere in the state of Georgia.
- Verify Your Information
Complete the account verification process by following the on-screen instructions provided by your sportsbook. You will need to provide your driver’s license, state ID, or another form of photo identification to confirm your age and identity.
- Make a Deposit
Choose a payment method that is accepted by your sportsbook (e.g., debit/credit card, online banking, or digital wallet) and make your first deposit to your online betting account. This step can also typically be completed at home in the state of Georgia.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer
Claim your sportsbook’s welcome offer provided to all new users of the platform. You will typically receive bonus funds, first-bet offers, or a deposit match as a reward for signing up and making your first deposit.
- Place Your Bets
Drive across the border into Tennessee (or another state where online sports betting is legal) and place bets on all your favorite sports and leagues. Good luck!
What Teams Can I Bet on in Georgia?
The state of Georgia is well known across the country for its vibrant sports culture and passionate fan bases. A few of the state’s most popular teams are discussed below.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the NFC South Division. The Falcons have had notable success over the years, including over a dozen playoff appearances and a Super Bowl appearance in 2017. They play their home games at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which provides an electric and exciting atmosphere for fans.
Atlanta Hawks
The NBA’s Atlanta Hawks have a passionate fan following and play their home games at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hawks have had their share of success over the years, including 12 division titles and an NBA championship back in 1958. Known for their fast-paced style of play, the Hawks showcase exciting basketball talent and consistently provide thrilling moments for their fans.
Atlanta Braves
The MLB’s Atlanta Braves are one of the most beloved sports franchises in Georgia. The Braves have a rich history and own four World Series championships, with their most recent title coming in 2021. They compete in the National League East division and play their home games at Truist Park. The Braves have a loyal and passionate fan base that supports them all season long.
Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are a revered college football team that represents the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and are a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Bulldogs have a rich football tradition and are well known for their strong performances and intense rivalries. College sports fans across the state also cheer the University of Georgia on in basketball, baseball, and a wide range of other sports.
Strategies & Tips for Georgia Sports Bettors
Although sports betting is not yet legal in the state of Georgia, it’s never too early to start learning about the best strategies to implement and guidelines to follow to increase your chances of success. Here are some useful tips and tricks for Georgia sports bettors:
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the sports world. Follow sports news outlets, read analysis from experts, and monitor social media accounts of teams, players, and relevant sports organizations. This will help you gain valuable insights and stay ahead of the game.
- Avoid Emotional Betting: It’s important to detach yourself emotionally from your bets and make rational decisions based on facts and analysis. You may want to avoid betting on your favorite teams solely because of your emotional attachment. Instead, focus on the value and likelihood of winning the bet based on objective information.
- Keep a Record & Analyze Your Bets: Maintain a record of all your bets, including the wagered amount, odds, and outcome. Regularly review your betting history to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses in your approach. This analysis will help you refine your strategies and improve your overall performance.
- Don’t Chase Your Losses: If you experience a losing streak, avoid the temptation to chase losses by increasing your bet sizes or making impulsive bets. Stick to your bankroll management plan and remain disciplined in your approach. Making rational decisions based on analysis is key to long-term success.
- Join a Community: Engage in sports betting communities, forums, or social media groups to network and discuss strategies with other bettors. Sharing insights and discussing different perspectives can help you broaden your knowledge and discover new strategies.
Georgia Sports Betting FAQ
No, sports betting is not yet legal in the state of Georgia. However, there is reason to believe that it will become available in the not-so-distant future.
There are currently no online or retail sportsbooks authorized to accept wagers in the state of Georgia. That said, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and SuperBook are a few of the top U.S. sportsbooks that are likely candidates to launch in the Peach State should an opportunity ever arise.
Yes, it is possible to spoof your location using a VPN and bet on sports in a state where it is not legal. However, we highly discourage you from trying to do so, as you will likely get your account banned and winnings forfeited once the sportsbook finds out what you’re doing.
Georgia permits daily fantasy sports (DFS) to exist in a legal gray area, as there are no laws allowing or prohibiting these types of platforms. As a result, DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and plenty of other top DFS sites are available to fantasy players across the state.
