However, in Georgia—a traditionally conservative state—this trend has faced considerable legal and political resistance. If you're a Georgia resident curious about whether online betting games are legal, what kinds you can access, and where the law might be headed, this article has all the answers.
What Are Online Betting Games?
Online betting games include any games where participants place wagers over the internet. This covers a wide range of activities:
- Sports betting
- Casino games (slots, blackjack, poker)
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS)
- eSports betting
- Lottery games with interactive platforms
Different states regulate each category differently. In Georgia, almost all forms of gambling are still heavily restricted.
Current Legal Status in Georgia (2025)
As of 2025, Georgia law does not permit most online betting games. The state constitution prohibits gambling, and any change to this policy requires a constitutional amendment—a high legal hurdle involving both the state legislature and a voter referendum.
Here's where things stand:
- Sports betting: Not legal
- Online casino games: Not legal
- Online poker: Not legal
- Georgia Lottery online games: Legal
- Daily Fantasy Sports: Legal gray area
- Sweepstakes-based gaming platforms: Legal workaround
The Legal Loophole: Sweepstakes Betting Games
Because traditional betting games are illegal, Georgians often turn to sweepstakes-based gaming platforms as a workaround. These platforms offer casino-style or poker games but with a sweepstakes system that sidesteps direct real-money wagering.
Popular examples include:
- Chumba Casino
- Global Poker
- LuckyLand Slots
These platforms operate on a dual currency system:
- Gold Coins: Used for fun, with no cash value.
- Sweeps Coins: Earned through promotions or purchases and can be redeemed for real cash prizes.
These companies comply with U.S. sweepstakes laws, making them legal to use even in states with strict gambling regulations like Georgia.
What About Offshore Betting Sites?
Some Georgia residents access offshore betting sites that offer real-money casino and sports betting. While these sites do accept U.S. players, they are not regulated or licensed in the U.S., which means:
- No guarantee of fair play
- No consumer protection
- Risk of frozen accounts or non-payment of winnings
While it's rare for individuals to be prosecuted for using offshore sites, doing so comes with significant risk.
Is Sports Betting Coming to Georgia?
There have been several attempts to legalize sports betting in Georgia. Most recently, in 2024, a proposed constitutional amendment came close to approval but ultimately failed in the legislature. However, the momentum is building.
Supporters argue that legalized betting could:
- Generate millions in state revenue
- Fund education and infrastructure
- Curb illegal offshore betting
Opponents, mostly from religious and conservative groups, remain strongly against it, citing concerns about addiction and social harm.
Expect new sports betting bills to be introduced in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions.
Final Thoughts
While Georgia remains one of the more restrictive states when it comes to online betting, options do exist through legal sweepstakes sites and fantasy sports platforms. With political and public pressure slowly increasing, a future with legal sports betting and online gambling in Georgia may not be far off. Until then, residents should stay cautious and informed about where and how they play.