Georgia may be a beautiful state but, sadly, it’s not the best place for gamblers. Indeed, almost all types of gambling in the state are illegal and there are literally no land-based casinos operational there – though there is one that floats and allows people to gamble legally. When it comes to Georgia online casinos, this is a total gray area with no specific mention in the law. Our advice is not to play online while in Georgia, but we explain everything in more detail below.
Georgia is renowned for producing delicious peaches (it’s known as the Peach State, after all), as well as pecans, peanuts, and some of the world’s sweetest onions. One thing Georgia can’t lay claim to is having a lot of casinos, with zero land-based ones clocked at the time of writing. Georgia online casinos are also illegal, with the state not allowing any to operate from within the state. Nevertheless, gambling at an online casino is a gray area as Georgia Law does not actually make any mention of or against this. Even so, since the state does not regulate online casinos, then you cannot be certain that you and your money will be protected should anything happen, which is why we do not recommend playing online, even at offshore-registered online casinos.
Best Georgia Online Casinos
| 1 |  | €2000 + 150 Free Spins in 3 Bonuses Welcome Package |  Wazamba Casino review | Sign-Up | UK 18+ | Play Responsibly | T&C Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | 100% up to 1,000 EUR + 150 Free Spins | N1 Casino review | Sign-Up | 18+ | Play Responsibly | T&C Apply |
The Legality Of Land-Based Casinos & Online Casinos In Georgia
Georgia has some of the strictest laws related to land-based gambling in the USA, a stance that can be said to extend to online gambling in the state. Indeed, while the state does not have any written or definite laws banning gamblers from playing at online casinos, it is best to assume that doing so while in the state is, at best, frowned upon and, at worst, enough to get you in trouble. Having got the basics out of the way, let’s look at things in more detail. Land-based gambling in Georgia is practically illegal across the board, with no brick-and-mortar casinos available in the state. Although it may seem obvious, it’s good to mention that this ban also includes poker, table games, and sports betting. As Code 16-12-20 of the Georgia State Law says, “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, [is] prohibited.”
One thing which may surprise many is that horse racing and dog racing in the state of Georgia are also prohibited – something which is quite strange considering that many other states with conservative attitudes to gambling allow bets on these. This ban on casinos and gambling is not all-encompassing, however. Georgia has a state lottery and allows charitable gambling. Moreover, there is one place where Georgia-based players can play for real money… The Emerald Princess Casino. This 200-foot cruise casino is operated by Golden Isles Cruise Lines and leaves Brunswick five out of seven nights a week. Onboard, you will find some 200 slot machines, as well as twelve blackjack tables, eight poker tables, two roulette wheels, and one craps table. There is an entry fee to the Emerald Princess Casino, with this entitling you to spend five hours on the ship. Of course, all those who enter have to be at least 21 years of age and show a photo ID. This is literally the only venue left available to Georgian players right now, making them worse off than they were before 2015, when another casino cruise, by the name of Tradewinds, used to sail out of Savannah. This ship had its boat inspection certificates removed and it has since completely closed down.
For this reason, some Georgia-based players drive to Alabama to play at one of the small number of Tribal casinos that are allowed to operate in the Heart of Dixie. If you are considering this, please read about Alabama gambling laws before heading there. All this, understandably, has a huge impact on those looking to play at a Georgia online casino. Indeed, while the state of Georgia does not have any actual laws that ban or approve of online gambling, many like to assume that this is also banned. You will, of course, find websites out there that suggest you play online casino games for real money at out-of-state casinos, which are based in different jurisdictions. When doing so, it is important to keep in mind that since the state of Georgia does not regulate casinos, then you and your money may not be safe. Moreover, there is a chance that you may get in trouble with the law. Having said all this, there are some reports that the future of gambling in Georgia is not so bleak… At the time of writing, however, there were no confirmations and gambling in Georgia remains largely illegal.
Land-Based Gambling In Georgia Today
| Casino | Location | Unique Features | Size |
| Emerald Princess Casino | Brunswick, Georgia | Golden Isles Cruise Lines, Inc. | 6 Poker Tables225 Slots12 Blackjack Tables2 Stud Poker Tables2 Roulette Tables1 Craps Table |
Online Gambling Laws In Georgia
There are absolutely no legal online gambling sites in Georgia, so whether you live in the state or are just visiting, playing at a Georgia online casino is impossible. Some websites suggest that you play at an online casino that is registered in a different jurisdiction, nevertheless, when doing so, you may not be fully protected – and definitely not protected by the state. For those looking to play at a Georgia online casino for no money (what is considered to be social casino gambling), there are a number of options. These can be accessed via Facebook or one of the many popular app stores. The most recent data on these sites show that Double Down Casino is the most popular, and that comes as no surprise as the website offers players over 60 games including video poker, blackjack, bingo, poker, and roulette. Alternatively, you can enjoy playing at sweepstakes social casinos that are legal in the US.
What should I know about Online Casinos in Georgia?
- The state of Georgia has some of the strictest regulations for brick-and-mortar casinos. Indeed, there are no land-based casinos within the confines of the state and everything from poker to horse racing is considered illegal.
- While Georgia does not allow online casinos to operate from within the state, there is no specific law that says that gambling online is illegal. Nevertheless, this is considered to be a gray area and our advice is not to do it.
- If you are in Georgia and would like to gamble, then there is a casino cruise that leaves the historic port city of Brunswick five times a week. The trip lasts five hours. Only those over 21 years of age are allowed entry.
- Things do seem to be changing, though, so do make sure to check this page again soon to see if there have been any updates on Georgia’s stand on gambling and its regulations surrounding Georgia online casinos.
Gambling Laws Governing Offshore Casinos & What It Means For Georgia Players
Like most other states in the USA, Georgia has very strict laws when it comes to brick-and-mortar gambling, a stance that extends to the state not giving out licenses for Georgia online casinos to operate within the state. This means that any online casinos operating from within the Peach State are illegal, which, in turn, pushes some players to play at online casinos registered in other jurisdictions, be they based in the USA or further afield. This is done because the current law regulating gambling in Georgia does not explicitly mention online gambling, and therefore many assume that it is not strictly speaking illegal to play online. In our opinion, it is always better to err on the side of caution and to stay firmly within the boundaries of the law. Nevertheless, if you do go ahead and play at an online casino based out of the state, then it is important to keep in mind that since the state does not regulate these casinos, then it is not able to offer you any protection or rights. As such, we recommend that you do not play at offshore-registered casinos.
Online Casino Games For Georgia
There are currently no online casino games legally available at Georgia online casinos. Having said that, those living in or visiting the Peach State can gamble at the only casino cruise that operates legally within the state. Moreover, those living in Georgia can take part in the state lottery, a very successful initiative whose funds have helped provide better education to 1.8 million students.
Payment Options At Georgia Online Casinos
Since the law related to gambling in Georgia states that no online casino can operate from within the state, then there is no data on the payment options these would offer. If you are out of the state and would like to play at an online casino legally, then we suggest you read the terms and conditions of the online casino website of your choice to ensure the payment options available on the site fit your needs and requirements.
Online Casino Georgia FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Georgia?
When looking for information on whether you can play at Georgia online casino, you will come across a number of websites and individuals that state that since the law doesn’t specify that online gambling in Georgia is illegal, then playing on your laptop, mobile or tablet isn’t. What is certain is that online casinos cannot operate within the state of Georgia, and anyone caught doing so will face charges. Some sites report that while the state is very strict, it doesn’t go after the players but rather the casino owners. For this reason, you will also find information that tells you to play at offshore casinos which are registered in other jurisdictions. Given that the websites don’t have geolocation software that blocks you from playing from within the state, then you may indeed be able to play. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that Georgia does not regulate online casinos within the state, meaning that you and your money may not necessarily be protected – not to mention that there is a chance that you may get in trouble with the law. For this reason, we suggest that you do not play at online casinos while in the state of Georgia.
Can I play at an online casino in Georgia via mobile or tablet?
The state of Georgia has no specific laws stating the gambling online is illegal, nevertheless, the absence of this law shouldn’t be taken to signify that it is okay to do so. Indeed, the Peach State is renowned for having some of the harshest laws regulating any form of land-based gambling, so playing on your laptop, at a mobile casino, or on a tablet may still be a no-no. To always ensure your safety and that you are playing within the confines of the law of the state you are visiting or living in, then, if you wish to go ahead and play at an online casino, we strongly recommend contacting a Georgia-based lawyer to confirm where the law really stands on the issue.
What casino games can I play at Georgia online casinos?
There are a number of people who believe the state of Georgia is slowly moving towards adopting a (slightly) more liberal stance on gambling. Nevertheless, at the time of writing, the only allowed forms of gambling in Georgia are the state lottery, charitable gambling, and gambling on the one casino cruise that leaves from the historic port city of Brunswick, the Emerald Princess Casino. When it comes to Georgia online casinos, you will not find any legal options – which is why many opt to play at offshore-registered casinos. Even so, we do not recommend it. Therefore, at the time of writing, there are no casino games that can be played at Georgia online casinos.
Is it possible to play online casino games with dollars?
Due to the gray area that is online gambling in Georgia, our advice is to assume that any form of online gambling from within the state is, at best, frowned upon. For this reason, we do not recommend that you play at Georgia online casinos with any currency including dollars.
Are the Georgia online casinos on this site regulated?
Any online casino mentioned on this site is regulated, safe to use, and has all the measures in place to protect you, your money and your rights. Nevertheless, be sure to check the law of the state or country you are in before proceeding with playing for real money online.
Am I eligible to receive a casino bonus at a Georgia online casino?
Since online casinos are not legally allowed to operate within the state of Georgia, then we strongly urge you not to play at any Georgia online casino. Of course, this also means that we cannot advise on whether you would be able to receive any form of online casino bonus at Georgia online casinos.
How do I start playing for real money at a Georgia online casino?
Sadly, online gambling in Georgia is a gray area. You will find some sources that say that you can play at offshore-registered casinos legally, and those that will tell you that since the law on brick-and-mortar casinos is so harsh, then you shouldn’t risk it. We like to keep our players as safe as possible, so we stand with the second group. Nevertheless, if you would still like to play casino games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and online slots, while in Georgia, then your best bet is to head onboard the Emerald Princess Cruise casino, which leaves from the port city of Brunswick five times a week.
Which online casino payment options are popular in Georgia?
Due to Georgia online casinos not being allowed to operate legally within the state, we have no specific data on what kind of payment options players would prefer to use. If you are out of the state, however, it is wise to check the terms and conditions of your online casino website of choice to check what kind of payment options (and in what currencies) are available.
Do I need to pay taxes on my gambling winnings in Georgia?
Since Georgia online casinos are not allowed, then there should be no winnings to declare. Nevertheless, the state does tax winnings from lotteries and so on, so it is best to declare them accordingly.
Play At A Real Money Casino Georgia Online & Walk Away With A Large Sum!
We hope the information on this page has made it easier for you to understand the laws that surround Georgia’s online casinos and the general laws governing gambling in the state. As always, we urge you to stay safe, play responsibly, and follow the law of the jurisdiction you live in or are visiting. For more information on other states, visit our US Gambling Guide page.
