Georgia Sports Betting: Outlook for April 2024

Is sports betting in Georgia legal?

No, sports betting is not legal in Georgia. The 2023 legislative session ended without the approval of any of the proposed sports betting bills. Senate Resolution 140 died after failing to receive the support of two-thirds of the House and Senate. The bill would have worked in unison with SB 172 to introduce a constitutional amendment legalizing sports betting.

Another piece of sports betting legislation, House Bill 237, was amended and revived in the Senate for a second reading before the end of the legislative session. However, the bill failed to pass the Senate, which concluded the discussion on the legalization of sports betting in the Peach State for 2023.

As it stands, Georgian sports betting enthusiasts will have to wait at least until the 2024 legislative session to see any new developments in this area. However, considering the sustained effort to legalize sports betting year after year, a regulated sports betting market may not be too far away.

Notable Georgia sports betting developments

Although sports betting in Georgia is far from being legalized, some significant efforts to make this a reality have been undertaken in the past. Let’s look at the key developments regarding sports betting in the Peach State.

• May 14, 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which put a federal ban on sports betting, was repealed by the Supreme Court. This monumental act allowed individual states to independently decide on the legal status of sports betting within their borders.

• Feb 20, 2020: SB 403, a bill aimed at making mobile sports betting a reality, gets support from five Georgian senators. However, due to the lack of support, the bill failed to go through the committee.

• Jan 14, 2021: HB 86, or the Georgia Lottery Mobile Sports Wagering Integrity Act, is presented in the House. It fails to receive backing.

• March 5, 2021: New sports betting bills, SR 135 and SB 142, reach the House. If approved, Georgia may legalize the activity by 2022.

• March 31, 2021: SR 135 and SB 142 fail to advance out of the House by the end of the legislative session. The two sports betting bills will be reconsidered in 2022, which delays the possible onset of sports betting in the state to 2023.

• March 23, 2022: The two sports betting bills receive little support during the legislative session. It seems that SR 135 and SB 142 cannot move forward for yet another year.

• March 28, 2022: A week before the end of the 2022 legislative session, SR 135 and SB 142 get sudden backing. As a result, the Georgia House Economic Development and Tourism Committee passess the two bills.

• April 4, 2022: The latest sports betting bills fail at the end of the 2022 legislative session. New efforts to legalize sports betting can come in 2023 at the earliest.

• Aug 11, 2022: A Democratic nominee for gubernatorial elections in 2022, Stacey Abrams supports the legalization of sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia.

• Jan 31, 2023: SB 57 gets introduced in the Senate. The new sports betting bill proposes that the state legalize sports betting, issuing between nine and 18 licenses.

• Feb 13, 2023: A House of Representatives member, Republican Marcus Wiedower, proposes HB 380. The bill would legalize retail betting and allow up to 16 licenses for online sports betting operators.

• Feb 20, 2023: After passing the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 57 advances to the Rules Committee.

• March 2, 2023: SB 57 gets shut down in the Senate with a vote of 37-19 against. It remains to be seen whether other pieces of sports betting legislation would succeed.

• March 7, 2023: The Senate votes 30-26 against Senate Resolution 140, making it impossible to legalize Georgia sports betting in 2023.

• March 20, 2023: The Senate renews the attempt to legalize sports betting in 2023 by allowing a second reading on HB 237. If the Senate passes it, the amended bill would have to go back to the House of Representatives to be approved.

• March 29, 2023: HB 237 dies in the Senate. Lawmakers will have to wait until the 2024 legislative session for another go at legalizing sports betting. t March 29. 2023: HB 237 dies in the Senate. Lawmakers will have to wait until the 2024 legislative session for another go at legalizing sports betting.

• Jan. 26, 2024: SB 316 is introduced in the Senate, renewing the possibility of legal sports betting in Georgia. The bill would not require a constitutional amendment, thus increasing the likelihood that it will pass both the House and the Senate.

Georgia potential sports betting: Legal quick facts

Potential Georgia sportsbook apps

Georgia doesn’t currently have any licensed online sportsbooks and apps. However, from experience with other U.S. markets, we can guess with some certainty which operators may be among the first ones to obtain licenses once the market launches.

DraftKings 👑

As one of the most prominent sports betting operators in the U.S., DraftKings will definitely be one of the first names to appear on the Georgian market once it is regulated. Established in 2011 as a DFS platform, DraftKings quickly rose to fame, eventually becoming one of the most popular U.S. sportsbooks. Users praise it for its fantastic betting market coverage, user-friendly interface, vast array of bonuses, quick payouts, and efficient customer support team.

• App Store Ratings: 4.7 on Google Play and 4.8 on App Store

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 1–7 business days (depending on the payment method)

• Possible DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings Sportsbook Review

FanDuel 🔵

Right up there with DraftKings, FanDuel has reached the highest echelons of the U.S. sports betting market. The brand has been active since 2009, offering premium DFS, sports betting, and online casino products. As a bookmaker, it boasts excellent sports and bets coverage and a wide array of promotions for new and existing customers. In addition, it’s also known for its user-friendly platform, both on desktop and on mobile.

• App Store Ratings: 4.7 on Google Play and 4.8 on App Store

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 1–10 business days (depending on the payment method)

Possible FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook Review

BetMGM 🦁

An American casino and entertainment magnate, BetMGM has made quite a name for itself in the online sports betting market. The platform covers all major and niche sports, features a decent website and app, and has one of the best U.S. online casinos accessed via the same account. The operator also has high payout limits and offers some of the best sportsbook promotions, as demonstrated by its welcome bonus, bringing new players up to $1,500 back in bonus bets.

• App Store Ratings: 4.4 on Google Play and 4.8 on App Store

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: Instant to 5 business days (depending on the payment method)

Possible BetMGM Sportsbook: BetMGM Sportsbook Review

Caesars 🏛

With its roots tracing back to 1937 Las Vegas, Caesars has been a household name in the gambling industry for many decades. Its natural expansion into sports betting has been very well-received, thanks to its extensive range of markets, attractive promotions, and live betting opportunities. The brand’s top-tier sports betting app is live in more than a dozen U.S. states, and we expect that the operator will be among the first to obtain a license should Georgia legalize sports betting.

• App Store Ratings: 4.2 on Google Play and 4.6 on App Store

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 1–5 business days (depending on the payment method)

Possible Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook Review

BetRivers ⚡

Established in 2012 by Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers is a growing sports betting and gambling platform available in most U.S. states with regulated sports betting. The operator boasts enough versatility when it comes to sports and betting markets, enabling it to cater to any bettor. It also comes with live betting and streaming options and features frequent promotions, as well as mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices.

• App Store Ratings: 3.2 on Google Play and 4.4 on App Store

• Sign Up Bonus: TBD

• Payout Speed: 1–14 business days (depending on the payment method)

Possible BetRivers Sportsbook: BetRivers Sportsbook Review

Georgia sports betting neighbors

Georgia isn’t the only U.S. jurisdiction that has had problems legalizing sports betting. Several of its neighbors have also faced opposition when it comes to changing the legislation, while only Tennessee and North Carolina have managed to launch markets at the time of this writing. Read on to learn more about the state of sports betting in jurisdictions surrounding the Peach State.

Alabama

Despite sustained efforts to legalize sports betting in 2019, 2021, and 2022, Alabama remains adamant in its decision to keep sportsbook operators at bay. The House didn’t even want to consider sports betting during the 2023 legislative session.

Three tribal casinos are the only places to gamble in the state. Considering the fact that the Heart of Dixie doesn’t even have a lottery, it seems that the road to legalized sports betting will be a rocky one.

Tennessee

Tennessee sports betting in 2019 and launched its first sportsbook on November 1, 2020. The state boasts 11 online bookies, including some of the most famous names in the industry. Bettors can place wagers at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, among other sites.

However, the state has no retail sportsbooks, as betting is allowed only via online betting sites. There are also no retail casinos in the Volunteer State, making online sports betting the only form of commercial gambling available.

According to the law, you can only bet at the state’s sportsbooks if you’re at least 21 years old and located within its borders.

North Carolina

North Carolina sports betting is one of the newest additions to the U.S. sports betting market. The state legalized the activity on June 14, 2023, after Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law. According to the bill, the state will have 12 online and eight retail sportsbooks.

As the law has just been passed, bettors will have to wait several months for the market to go live. More precisely, the law will take effect on January 8, 2024. The minimum betting age is set at 21, as in most U.S. states.

The law allows retail sportsbooks to be located within 1.5 miles of professional sports facilities in the state. Unfortunately, none of these are situated near the Georgia-Tennessee border.

South Carolina

Sports betting in South Carolina is not legal. Bills proposed in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 didn’t receive much support, eventually falling through or being put off. 

The latest attempt to change the legislation came in the form of HB 3749, which could be a point of discussion in the 2024 legislative session. If approved, the bill will allow persons over the age of 18 to make bets via up to eight sports betting apps.

Florida

The legal status of Florida sports betting remains uncertain in 2023. Governor Ron DeSantis struck a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida in 2021 to make its territory the only area in the state where sports betting would be allowed.

However, the agreement has faced fierce opposition in the form of two lawsuits. The plaintiffs argue that the legislature violates a 2018 constitutional amendment by allowing remote gambling before receiving approval from voters.

Potential Georgia sports betting step-by-step start guide

At best, sports bettors will have to wait another year to witness any change in sports betting in Georgia. In the meantime, we can discuss what the process of signing up and placing bets at online sportsbooks is likely to look like.

Most online sportsbooks follow similar principles when it comes to this, outlined below.

Select a Sportsbook Licensed in Georgia

Before you can deposit money and place your bets safely, you need to choose a sportsbook. Naturally, you should pick a site or app licensed to operate in Georgia, which guarantees security and inspires trust. You should also select an app based on its features. If you don’t know what to look for, our detailed reviews can help you.

Register an Account

Most U.S. states that allow online sports betting also let players register online, which may be the case in Georgia. On the flip side, regulators may only allow in-person registration, which would require you to visit a retail location to create an account.

Deposit and Claim the Welcome Bonus

When you’ve created an account, you’ll need a positive balance to place bets. Georgia sportsbooks will likely let you choose between multiple payment methods. Also, make sure to check the promotional sections for new player bonuses since you may be able to snatch quite a lucrative offer.

Select and Finalize Your Bet

Once your deposit is finalized, which should happen instantly, you’ll be able to place your bet. Click on the desired sport in the menu and pick an event. Then, select the bet type, specify the amount you’d like to bet, and submit your wager.

Win and Withdraw Your Payout

Upon meeting all wagering requirements associated with any bonuses you’ve claimed, you’ll be ready to withdraw your winnings. However, before the sportsbook can approve your payment, you’ll probably have to verify your identity and address. Once you complete the process, you can choose a payment method and request a withdrawal. Depending on the payment processor, you will get your funds in one to ten days.

Georgia sports leagues and teams to bet on

From baseball to basketball and from soccer to football, Georgia has several professional and collegiate sports teams to brag about. As a result, Georgians won’t have a shortage of markets to bet on once the sports betting industry goes live.

Sports betting by category

Check out our resources on the best sportsbook for specific sports and leagues:

Potential Georgia sports betting and the taxman

Exactly how much you’ll have to pay the IRS for your sports betting winnings remains to be seen after legalization. However, we can get an idea about this based on the current laws. 

Namely, Georgians presently have to pay taxes on their gambling winnings based on their tax bracket, but not more than 5.75%, which is a reasonable amount. However, your winnings are also subject to federal taxes, ranging from 10% to 37%, depending on your earnings.

What’s missing from Georgia sports betting?

Once sports betting becomes legal in Georgia, customers will probably be able to bet on all markets available in other U.S. states. However, some betting options may be out of bounds.

Politics

Betting on political events like mid-term or presidential elections is forbidden everywhere in the U.S. Therefore, it makes sense that it would also be off-limits for Georgian bettors if sports betting becomes a reality in this state.

Entertainment Award Ceremonies

Betting on entertainment award ceremonies like the Grammys, Emmys, and Oscars is a popular option at online sportsbooks in the U.S. If sports betting comes to Georgia, there is no reason why these markets wouldn’t be available.

Esports

There is no indication that betting on esports competitions should be forbidden in Georgia sportsbooks. Operators in the Peach State will likely provide options for betting on games like Dota 2, League of Legends, CS:GO, Valorant, and other popular competitions.

What About Daily Fantasy Sports?

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are not technically legal in Georgia. However, they are also not illegal, as there are no laws explicitly mentioning this activity. Although there have been attempts to legalize DFS in recent years, they all came to a standstill. If sports betting becomes legal, we may expect the lawmakers to also officially legalize DFS.

Georgia college sports betting 🎓

Most U.S. states with regulated sports betting allow wagering on college sports. However, many states also impose limitations on this activity, preventing players from betting on in-state teams.

While this may happen in Georgia, the state could also follow in the footsteps of its neighboring state, Tennessee. This jurisdiction allows college sports betting on both out-of-state and in-state teams. However, it forbids placing prop bets on individual athletes and live prop bets on college sports.

Responsible Georgia sports betting

Sports betting is an easy way to add excitement to your daily life and back your favorite teams. However, as with all forms of gambling, it can sometimes go too far, interfering with relationships and finances.

The National Council on Problem Gambling, or more precisely, the Georgia Council on Problem Gambling, is a non-profit organization that helps people affected by excessive gambling. Another organization that offers resources for fighting gambling addiction is the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

When Georgia sports betting becomes legal, licensed sports betting operators will have to offer responsible gambling tools. These include cool-off periods, self-exclusion, deposit and bet limits, and other resources that help players keep their gambling habits in check.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Georgia

While we wait for the arrival of regulated Georgia sportsbooks, offshore sites catering to U.S. citizens pose a tempting alternative. However, not only do these operators lack local licenses, but they sometimes have no licenses at all. Because of this, we don’t recommend using them, as you’ll have no way of knowing whether your information is safe.

The table below shows some of the most notorious sportsbooks we have blacklisted.

List of Georgia sports betting resources

Georgia General Assembly — State legislature

Office of the Attorney General — Georgia General Attorney’s Office

GeorgiaLegalAid.com — Easy access to Georgia legal information

National Council on Problem Gambling — Resources for those affected by problem gambling

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past two years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

Most recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state.