Georgia Sports Betting: Is it legal? What gambling is allowed?
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Aug 27, 2024
,
04:32 p.m.
ET
Georgia has yet to legalize sports betting. The state legislature reconsidered the legalization of sports betting in 2024. Multiple bills have already failed. Georgia residents will have to wait until 2025 to see if the laws regarding sports betting will change.
Georgia isn't as gambling-friendly as other states. The only types of permissible gambling are bingo, lottery games, and raffles. Georgia residents would have to cross state lines to take part in any other types of gambling. However, the law hasn't stopped Georgians from gambling in the state.
History, latest news on sports betting legislation in Georgia
Currently, sports betting in Georgia is illegal, despite multiple attempts to legalize the activity. In 2019, the state introduced legislation that regulated the industry as it generated tax revenue. Criticism from conservative groups halted progress on the legalization of sports betting.
In 2023, the Georgia legislature passed multiple bills to legalize sports betting. They failed to pass it into law before the end of the session. Recent news suggests that lawmakers could reconsider this issue. But the future of sports betting legalization in Georgia remains unclear.
When could sports betting become legalized in Georgia?
Hopes for legal sports betting in Georgia will have to wait until 2025. However, it may be unlikely since there are many hoops involved. For instance, the legislators would have to pass it into law. During the 2024 legislative session, SB 386 and Senate Resolution 579 were the last bills that had little hope of passing.
Online sports betting might not become legal until late 2024 or early 2025, after this year's legislative session. Voters could make sports betting legal. Even if they vote for the legalization of sports betting, it could still take months for the Georgia Lottery to regulate the industry.
Legal gambling today in Georgia
The gambling laws in Georgia make it difficult for residents to try other types of gambling. These alternatives can help fill the void for some bettors. For example, sports fans can still bet on the NFL Championships or Super Bowl. Here are some of the current laws for other types of gambling, according to Gaming Today:
Casinos: No. Traditional casinos and online casinos are against the law.
Lottery: Yes. Lottery games are legal in the state of Georgia.
Horse Racing: Yes. Georgia residents can bet on horse racing.
Social Sportsbooks: Yes. While sports betting is against the law, residents can still gamble with social sportsbooks.
Online Poker: No. Online poker isn’t allowed in Georgia.
Dangers of offshore sportsbooks operating in Georgia
Due to the lack of legal sports betting alternatives in Georgia, residents turn to offshore sportsbooks to gamble. This unregulated platform also comes with its share of risks.
Most offshore operators don't comply with player protection standards or strict licensing requirements, leaving players at risk of gambling addiction. These platforms don't take cybersecurity seriously, making users vulnerable to identity theft and fraud.
Offshore sportsbooks don't have to follow U.S. regulations. However, the lack of regulations can cause delays or refusals to pay out winnings. Some users might get blocked from withdrawing cashouts. In the event that an offshore sportsbook shuts down, it could be harder for a player to get their funds.
Some offshore sportsbooks encourage players to place large bets on credit, which has potential consequences for the amount of money put down.
Offshore sportsbooks can require players to use cryptocurrency or other e-wallets to fund their accounts, which can make it difficult to retain and track transactions.
Winnings aren't taxed. However, the authorities can track them down, which can lead to severe penalties and legal consequences.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling addiction is another name for a gambling disorder, which is a serious mental health condition. The individual loses control over their behavior, which can have negative consequences for their personal life and social relationships. Common signs of a gambling addiction include:
Chasing losses to win back what was once lost
Borrowing or stealing money to gamble
Increasing obsession with gambling habits or planning the next strategy
Feeling the urge to increase bets to achieve feelings of euphoria or joy
Lying to friends and family about gambling or financial situations
Neglecting daily responsibilities such as work and school
Selling belongings to gamble
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not gambling
Gambling Addiction help and treatment in Georgia
Help is available for Georgians who struggle with gambling addictions. This serious disorder can be hard to overcome alone. The increased popularity of online gambling has made it difficult for some individuals. Off-shore sportsbooks have few player protections, increasing the risks. Fortunately, individuals can get help with gambling addiction.
Virtual treatment options are available from Birches Health, which is now available in Georgia. Birches offers comprehensive telehealth treatment tailored to each individual. Virtual treatment for gambling addiction is covered by insurance. This makes it possible for individuals to receive care at home.
Some patients pay $0 out of pocket. Birches Health's team is composed of licensed clinicians who are trained in gambling addiction. They possess decades of experience helping individuals break free from addiction. They offer the following steps toward recovery:
Sources:
Georgia Sports Betting 2024 - Latest Legalization News
Gambling | Georgia Criminal Lawyer
Senate Passes Legislation to Regulate Sports Betting | Georgia Senate Press Office
