Georgia Sports Betting: When Will Legal Georgia Sportsbooks Launch?

Can I Sports Bet in Georgia?

No, you cannot bet on sports in Georgia. State law does not allow sports betting in Georgia in any form.

Where Can I Bet on Sports in Georgia?

You can't bet on sports anywhere in Georgia. Neither retail nor online sports betting is permitted in Georgia currently.

The closest you can get could be crossing the state border into Tennessee, which has had legal sports betting online for several years now. Chattanooga is the largest city closest to the Georgia state border.

Would I Need to Be a Georgia Resident to Bet Online?

No, you would not need to be a Georgia resident to bet online. You would only need to be physically located within state lines to be able to bet online. Georgia sportsbook apps and betting sites would require you to use geolocation technology to confirm your whereabouts.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?

No, online betting is not legal in Georgia. 

What Sportsbooks are in Georgia?

There are no sportsbooks in Georgia currently.

Among the brands likely to apply for a license are BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook. There are several other companies who might apply for a license in Georgia, including BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, bet365, Betfred, and others.

When Will Georgia Sportsbooks Launch?

We don't know when Georgia sportsbooks will launch. The latest sports betting legislation did not pass the Georgia House, so the earliest new bills could be introduced would be January 2025.

How Many Sportsbooks are There in Georgia?

There are zero sportsbooks in Georgia right now. SB 386 would have allowed for up to 16 sportsbook operators.

Sportsbooks Partnered with Georgia Sports Teams

No sportsbooks are officially partnered with Georgia sports teams yet. However, proposed sports betting bill SB 386 would have allowed Georgia's five pro teams—the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Dream, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta United FC—to partner with operators.

Best Georgia Sportsbooks Expected to Launch

Though no sportsbooks are live in Georgia yet, past bills have called for anywhere from 6 to 16. Let's take a look at the operators that could potentially be coming to Georgia in the future:

BEST Overall Georgia Sportsbook

I think BetMGM Georgia will be the best overall sportsbook in the state. Once it's available, you can expect to find a huge range of sports, frequent promotions and bonuses, a lucrative rewards program and outstanding user experience.

BEST Georgia Sportsbook for NFL Betting

With arguably the widest array of player prop betting options, football fans will enjoy using DraftKings Georgia. DraftKings is easy to use, especially for new bettors, and boasts one of the most extensive NFL betting markets of all sportsbook brands.

Most Popular Georgia Sportsbook

With the most downloads and highest ratings among all sports betting competitors, FanDuel Georgia promises to be hugely popular with in-state bettors. FanDuel has great promos, odds boosts and other specials running daily across all major U.S. sports. 

FanDuel is known for its premiere live streaming experience within the sportsbook on select games. It's even been known to partner with streamers to get you free access to NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, Paramount+ and more.

BEST Georgia Sportsbook for Odds Boosts

While nearly every operator will have odds boosts, none do them quite like Caesars Sportsbook in Georgia. Every day, you'll find specialized graphics that feature unique, timely odds boosts with both the old and new prices. The "Boosts" tab collects all of the day's offers in one convenient place.

Georgia Sportsbook with BEST Early Cashouts

A well known operator internationally, bet365 Georgia has the best early cashout offerings of any sportsbook expected to come to the state. Nearly every major U.S. sport has evergreen early cashout rules at bet365, so you can get paid when the team you're backing goes up big.

BEST Georgia Sportsbook for Cashback

Though it only just launched in a few other states, Fanatics Sportsbook Georgia is already a powerhouse brand in the sports world. 

Fanatics Sportsbook integrates its preexisting FanCash Rewards points. You'll earn cashback for every bet you place or item you buy, which can then be converted into bonus bets or Fanatics credit.

BEST New Sportsbook in Georgia

If it launches, ESPN BET Georgia will be an exciting addition to the state's sports betting scene, as it has been in other states. It's been exciting to see what features and promotions ESPN BET rolls out.

This new venture from PENN Entertainment combines simple, straightfoward betting markets with ESPN's analytics and expertise as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports."

Great Georgia Sportsbook for New Bettors

While most sportsbooks are easy to get the hang of, I think BetRivers Georgia will lend itself especially well to beginners. It has easy navigation and simple markets. Its promos are not overwhelming or complicated.

Georgia Sportsbook with Fast Withdrawals

While all sportsbooks tend to get you your payouts quickly, Betway Georgia users often cite some of the quickest and easiest withdrawal times of any operator.

It's a simple and easy-to-navigate sportsbook without all the fuss of some bigger brands.

BEST Revamped Georgia Sportsbook

Recently, Hard Rock Bet Georgia relaunched with a new name, new color scheme and new design. And the early reviews are very positive. Users in other states love the look and feel of the new sportsbook. It's easy to use and integrates casino gaming, which will be helpful whenever Georgia allows online casinos.

How GA Sports Betting Compares to Other Legal States

With a population of more than 11 million, Georgia is the third-largest U.S. state where sports betting is not legal. In fact, Georgia has the eighth-largest population of any state. 

Three of Georgia’s neighboring states, including Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee, are among those that allow sports betting. By March 2023, Tennessee's 12 online sportsbooks handled more than $5B in sports bets, with nearly $74M raised by the state in taxes.

Timeline for Georgia Sports Betting Legislation

Here's a look back at past attempts to legalize Georgia sports betting over the years:

• 📆 March 30, 2023: The Georgia legislative session ends without finalizing any sports betting bills.
• 📆 March 17, 2023: Georgia sports betting legalization is tacked onto House Bill 237 as a last-stitch hope.
• 📆 March 6, 2023: SR 140 does not get the two-thirds majority needed to pass, and SB 172 is tabled in the Senate. HB 380 is not discussed in the House before the "Crossover Day" deadline.
• 📆 March 3, 2023: SB 57, which would regulate sports betting and legalize horse betting, fails in the Senate.
• 📆 Feb. 16, 2023: HB 380, which would allow 16 licenses and tax at a 15% rate, is introduced in the House Higher Education Committee.
• 📆 Feb. 1, 2023: SB 57, which would allow 18 licenses and tax at a 20% rate, is introduced in the Senate.
• 📆 Nov. 9, 2022: Abrams loses the state governor race to Brian Kemp, a blow to Georgia sports betting legalization.
• 📆 Aug. 2022: Stacey Abrams supports sports betting as a part of her campaign platform for governor. 
• 📆 March 2022: Rep. Stephens tries to push sports betting legislation once again, but the legislature adjourns.
• 📆 March 2021: Senate Resolution 135, which would allow voters to decide if sports betting should be legal in Georgia, is sent to the House for approval, but fails to make it onto the 2021 ballot.
• 📆 Feb. 2021: SB 142, which would allow college sports betting only on out-of-state teams, is introduced in the Senate.
• 📆 Jan. 2021: Rep. Ron Stephens presents HB 86, which would allow 6 licenses but no college sports betting, in the House, but the House went into recess before a vote could be held.
• 📆 May 14, 2018: States gain the right to legalize sports betting when the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.

Who Regulates Georgia Sports Gambling?

Right now, there is no definitive answer on who would regulate Georgia sports betting and gambling. The latest bill called for the Georgia Lottery Corporation to oversee and manage sports betting.

Georgia Sports Betting Licenses

The latest sports betting proposal would have allowed for up to 16 licenses. SB 386 would have allowed for Georgia's five professional sports teams, the PGA Tour, the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Augusta National Golf Course and the Georgia Lottery to partner with an operator for a license.

The state lottery would then have had seven additional licenses to award to standalone operators. 

These organizations would've paid a $100K application fee and an annual license fee of $1M. Providers would've paid a $10K application fee and an annual license fee of $100K.

Georgia Sports Betting Revenue Projections 2024

Georgia sports betting revenue projections range from $100M to $140M each year.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber estimated $100M in revenue annually. The Sports Betting Alliance (made up of DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Fanatics) projected that online sports wagering in Georgia could generate $140M.

Supporters of Georgia sports betting want the tax revenue to fund Pre-K education, teacher retention and HOPE scholarships.

To find out how much in taxes you may owe on a winning bet, use our Georgia gambling tax calculator.

How Experts Rank the Best GA Online Sportsbooks

How will you be able to choose between such a stellar range of Georgia sportsbooks? There are several factors I take into account:

• Read Reviews Some operators are already live in 20+ states and territories. Check out app store reviews of prospective Georgia sportsbooks to see what existing users like and dislike.
• Bet Types There can be subtle differences in the way sportsbooks offer and grade bet types. You may find some GA betting sites have particular features or markets that make them stand out.
• Competitive Odds The same outcome can have different odds across Georgia sportsbooks. Shopping around and finding the most profitable odds will be an important consideration.
• Welcome Bonus When you register for a sports betting account in Georgia, you should receive a generous welcome bonus. Check out the sign-up bonuses available to see which one you like best.
• User Experience You should be looking for an operator that makes sports betting stress-free and enjoyable. Look for a sportsbook with great design, navigation, and speed.
• Banking Options There should be a host of banking methods available. The most common banking options are debit and credit cards, online banking, prepaid cards, e-check, PayPal, and Venmo. Check that your preferred withdrawal method is allowed and how long it will take. Electronic transfers are the quickest; paper checks are the longest.
• Customer Service There should be plenty of ways to contact your chosen Georgia sports betting operator. The best GA sportsbooks will have a contact number, 24/7 live chat, email, social media and/or an FAQ page.

Why Sign Up For Multiple Georgia Sports Betting Sites?

New bettors sometimes believe they are allowed to sign up with only one sports betting provider. This is definitely not the case; and there are many good reasons why you should register as a customer at multiple Georgia sportsbooks when legal:

1. ⭐️ Compare prices so that you can get the best odds on any bet. 
2. ⭐️ Find the operator that makes your online betting GA most enjoyable.
3. ⭐️ Take advantage of several Georgia sports betting promos and welcome offers. 

Sports to Bet On in Georgia

As well as being home to teams in three of the Big Four sports, Georgia also hosts one of the most iconic annual golf tournaments in the world, the Masters, at Augusta National. Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996 and will stage matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it an international sports hub for the forseeable future.

As of now, betting on both college and pro sports is on the table for Georgia lawmakers, though that could change. Some Georgia bill proposals in the past have restricted college sports betting to just out-of-state teams.

The sports you can expect to be able to wager on at Georgia sportsbooks include:

Football

According to Gravy Analytics, Georgia is the state with the most NFL fans as of 2023. Between the Atlanta Falcons and the University of Georgia Bulldogs, it's easy to understand why. 

Georgia has dominated college football for almost a decade. They won back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. At the start of the 2023 NFL season, there were 51 Georgia players on active rosters, according to USA Today. 

Georgia is home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, who joined the league as an expansion team in 1966. Atlanta has hosted three Super Bowls (XXVIII, XXXIV, LIII) in the Georgia Dome and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons themselves have yet to win a Super Bowl title.

Basketball

Georgia produces talented players who often go on to successful collegiate and professional careers, contributing to the overall basketball culture in the state. Georgia is home to two pro basketball teams: the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Atlanta has hosted three NBA All-Star Games, most recently in 2021.

Baseball

Baseball holds a special place in Georgia sports culture, with the Atlanta Braves serving as a focal point for fans across the state (as well as the entire region). Hall of Famer Hank Aaron played the majority of his career with the Braves, with whom he set the MLB home run record. 

Aaron started his legendary career in the Negro American League and broke barriers in the sport. Today, the Negro League Baseball Museum is located in Atlanta.

Georgia is also home to several college baseball programs, including the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.

Soccer

Soccer is, perhaps surprisingly, extremely popular in Georgia. Atlanta United FC has the highest average attendance of any MLS team and became the fastest team to reach 5M home supporters in 2023. Atlanta United has several fervent fan clubs, including Terminus Legion, Resurgence, and Footie Mob, which support the team and the sport of soccer in the city.

Atlanta has hosted the MLS All-Star Game and international soccer matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which draw soccer fans from all over the world.

Golf

Golf has a very rich history in Georgia, largely thanks to the Masters. The Masters Tournament is held every year at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. It was founded in 1934 and attracts golfers and fans alike from around the world. Augusta is also home to the Golf Hall of Fame.

Georgia has also hosted the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup tournaments.

NASCAR

Georgia has a strong tradition when it comes to motorsports, and the Peach State is currently home to more than 20 racetracks and drag strips. The most famous is the Atlanta Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR Cup Series races Ambetter Health 400 and the Quaker State 400 this year. In addition to Cup Series races, Atlanta Motor Speedway also hosts NASCAR's Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series events.

Georgia is also home to NASCAR Racing Experience, where fans can take part in racing schools and experience the thrill of driving or riding in a NASCAR-style race car.

Georgia Sports Teams To Bet On

There are plenty of local teams in Georgia that gamblers will likely consider wagering on when the state decides to legalize sports betting. Here are the most popular teams that are sure to attract the eyes of gamblers.

• Atlanta Falcons The Falcons can count on the loyal support of fans who believe their heroes can bring home the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy—despite their agonizing miss in Super Bowl LI. You can track the Falcons Super Bowl odds, as well as the Falcons playoff chances with us year-round.
• Atlanta Hawks The Hawks won their first divisional title for six years in 2020-21, but lost in the Conference Finals. The Hawks draw staunch support from their home city and record solid attendances at the State Farm Arena.
• Atlanta Braves The Braves are the oldest continuously operating pro sports franchise in America and are the most popular MLB team in the southern U.S. Seatgeek reported the Braves were the team with the most shopped-for tickets in 2019, spanning nine states and 515 counties. They have four World Series titles, most recently in 2021.
• Atlanta United Atlanta United FC has perhaps the most staunch supporters of any pro Georgia team. Atlanta United won an MLS title in 2018 as top goalscorer Josef Martinez won MLS MVP and the MLS Golden Boot. United followed it up with a U.S. Open Cup win in 2019.
• Georgia Bulldogs The University of Georgia Bulldogs have set the standard in college football for the last few seasons. They won back-to-back National Championships from 2021-2022 and have sent a staggering number of players to the pros.

Available Sports Wagers at Legal Sports Betting Sites

The best Georgia sports betting sites will offer you a host of ways to place bets on your favorite sports. Among the common wager types you should find there are:

• Moneylines The moneyline is one of the most popular bets. All you have to do is pick who you think will win a matchup and stake your bet.
• Parlays Given the chance to enjoy sports betting, Georgia sports fans will flock to parlays. Make several picks, put down a single stake and, as each one wins, your payout rolls on to the next. You could end up with a huge return – but the catch is that if just one selection loses, you end up with zero.
• Totals The most common type of total bet is on the combined number of points scored by both teams in a game. Georgia sportsbooks will project the number of points scored and you decide whether the actual number will be higher or lower.
• Point Spreads Point spreads, a massively popular option with sports fans, are handicap wagers. GA sports betting sites even up the odds on both teams. You then decide whether or not the favorite will win by more than the set amount.
• Futures You can look much further ahead in the season to bet on a team to finish the season with a particular outcome.
• Prop Bets Within any game, there are plenty of outcomes you can wager on without worrying who will win or lose overall. These are called prop bets.
• Live Betting Odds can be updated instantly during a game. That makes it possible for operators to take live bets, which are hugely popular and now commonplace at sports betting sites.

Legal Gambling Options: Alternatives to GA Sports Betting

Georgia is not very liberal with its gambling laws, and as a result there are few options for those who wish to gamble in the state.

Social Casinos

Social casinos, also called sweepstake casinos, are free-to-play games that have no real-money prizes. As such, they are allowed in Georgia currently.

While we wait for Georgia sports betting to officially go live, you can read our reviews of the top 4 social casinos currently available in GA:

1. High5Casino Georgia
2. Pulsz Casino Georgia
3. WOW Vegas Casino Georgia
4. BetRivers.net Casino Georgia

Charitable Bingo

One form of gambling that is permitted in Georgia is charitable bingo. There are more than 100 auditoriums and bingo halls across the Peach State, and they attract thousands of people to play games with cash prizes at stake. Bingo and raffles are available to those 18+.

Georgia Lottery

The Georgia Lottery has been in operation since 1992, and it offers a host of daily and weekly games. One of the biggest advantages of this state lottery compared to others is that you can buy your tickets online. 

If Georgia sports betting is legalized, it is highly likely that the lottery will assume responsibility for regulating GA sportsbooks.

Casinos in Georgia

There are no land-based or online casinos in Georgia.

The only thing that comes close is the Emerald Princess, a cruise ship casino which is berthed in Brunswick. You can only play slots and table games when the ship has sailed out into international waters.

In many states, casinos host retail sportsbooks. The absence of any land-based establishments means it will be harder to get retail Georgia sports betting off the ground quickly.