Georgia Sports Betting Update: Inside The Final Days And A Look To The Future
Steve Bittenbender - Apr 2, 2024
Georgia sports betting is not legal yet, but legislators are looking ahead to 2025. BetGeorgia.com is your No. 1 source for the latest developments & updates on Georgia sportsbooks.
While we wait for Georgia sports betting to go live, there is some free-to-play alternative online gaming you can enjoy today:
🚫 Is Sport Betting Legal in Georgia? | No |
🚨 Latest News | 2024 House Session Ends Without Vote on Sports Betting Bill |
📅 When Will Sportsbooks Launch? | Jan. 2025 (at the earliest) |
📲 Expected Georgia Sportsbooks | BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, bet365 |
✅ Last Updated | October 9, 2024 |
No, sports betting in Georgia is not legal yet, despite repeated efforts by Georgia legislators to change the state’s gambling laws.
In fact, very few forms of gambling are permitted in the Peach State; there are no land-based Georgia casinos here. Its only casino ship, the Emerald Princess, has to sail from Brunswick to international waters before you can start gambling.
You'll most likely need to be be aged 21 or over to gamble in Georgia. That is the age you have to be to board the only casino ship based in the state.
We don't know when sports betting will be legal in Georgia. Legislation failed to get the necessary vote on the House floor during the 2024 session.
The earliest sports betting could be legalized in Georgia would be in early 2025.
The latest sports betting bill to be introduced in Georgia was SB 386, which was passed by the Senate on Feb. 1 but ran out of time in the House on March 28. The bill only passed after Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) pushed for an amendment to allow voters to decide on sports betting via a constitutional amendment.
The Georgia Senate passed that resolution (SR 579, sponsored by Cowsert) in a 41-12 vote to allow an amendment to the constitution to go to the ballot box, though the point is now moot.
SB 386 would have charged the Georgia Lottery Corporation with overseeing sports betting. It would allow Georgia's pro teams and leagues to partner with operators. The lottery itself would have been allowed to hold a license and to grant seven licenses.
There have been repeated attempts to legalize sports betting in Georgia in recent years, despite this being historically one of the least gambling-friendly states in the union.
Stay up-to-date by following the latest Georgia sports betting news.
No, you cannot bet on sports in Georgia. State law does not allow sports betting in Georgia in any form.
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.
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.
No, online betting is not legal 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.
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.
There are zero sportsbooks in Georgia right now. SB 386 would have allowed for up to 16 sportsbook operators.
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.
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:
🥇 BetMGM | Best Overall GA Sportsbook |
🏈 DraftKings | Best GA Sportsbook for NFL Betting |
❤️ FanDuel | Most Popular GA Sportsbook |
📈 Caesars | Best GA Sportsbook for Odds Boosts |
💵 bet365 | Best GA Sportsbook for Early Cashouts |
🛍️ Fanatics | Best GA Sportsbook for Merch Discounts |
🔥 ESPN BET | Best New Sportsbook in GA |
⭐️ BetRivers | GA Sportsbook for New Bettors |
⚡️ Betway | GA Sportsbook with Fast Withdrawals |
🎸 Hard Rock Bet | Revamped GA Sportsbook |
✅ Last Updated: | October 9, 2024 |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.1/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.4/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-2 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.5/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1+ day |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.0/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.4/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-3 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.1/10 Stars |
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."
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-3 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.3/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 4-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 7.7/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-3 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 8.0/10 Stars |
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.
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
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⭐️ User Ratings | 9.7/10 Stars |
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.
Here's a look back at past attempts to legalize Georgia sports betting over the years:
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.
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 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 will you be able to choose between such a stellar range of Georgia sportsbooks? There are several factors I take into account:
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:
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:
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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, 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:
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+.
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.
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.
One of the main motivations for those who oppose Georgia online sports betting is the fear that it is an activity that can lead to gambling problems.
As a result, the brands most likely to operate sports betting sites in Georgia one day have a strong focus on responsible gambling. They understand that, while this is a harmless leisure activity for most people, it can cause issues for a small minority of players.
If sites are launched offering online sports betting, Georgia customers will find a prominent link on every home page that leads to a wealth of information about gambling responsibly.
You can expect to access detailed information about setting wagering limits, taking time away from betting, and spotting the signs that suggest you may be at risk of developing a gambling problem.
There will also be links to expert agencies that can provide practical support and assistance, including via 24-hour helplines. These bodies will include the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and the state branch of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Author
Martin Booth is the senior betting analyst for BetGeorgia.com. He is an award-winning contributor and expert in sports betting and casino gaming around the world. From legislative updates in Georgia to breaking down the top betting apps, Martin Booth covers a gambit of topics surrounding Georgia sports betting. He is one of the most trusted voices in online gambling and will continue to be a leading voice in the Georgia sports betting market.
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