Georgia has been hurting in terms of legal gambling for a while. Now, the state is seeing real possibilities for change on the horizon, as local lawmakers discuss solutions for tax revenue and a depressed economy. Being just a step above a dry state, players in the Peach State can get away with casino gambling through the state’s only offered venue – a casino cruise with slots, poker, blackjack, and more out that’s played out in international waters.
Georgia Legal Gambling History
There’s not much of a history of legal gambling in Georgia. It’s always been illegal in a highly conservative state.
In 1976, the state legalized bingo and charitable gaming under strict regulation.
Georgia didn’t take up a state lottery until 1992. Since the time it’s expanded to offer scratch-off tickets, multi-state Powerball drawings, and Mega Millions. One thing that the Georgia state lottery does, which it should receive credit for, is offering keno drawings – a game better known in barrooms than offered by a state lottery.
Video poker snuck into the state during the late 1900s until 2000. This happened, not due to any legislation for it, rather new law that would allow for redemption games at arcades. Georgia and neighboring South Carolina had flourishing video poker scenes thanks to loopholes which came to a close in 2000 for both states.
One of the ways that the video poker machines were allowed to operate was because they did not payout real money. Instead, winners would receive gift cards. In some instances, these “gift cards” could be exchanged at a location nearby for cash. Some operated even more boldly than that and would pay out straight cash to winners.
Georgia Gambling Legal Status
While there is a push for more legal gambling options in the state, none have arrived just yet. For now, players in Georgia are welcome to the state lottery and charitable gaming. Players need to be at least 18 years of age or older.
All other forms of gambling, including track betting, are currently illegal in Georgia.
Georgia Legal Gambling Options
The more readily available gambling option presented in the state is the Emerald Princess Casino Cruise. The 3 story ship docks out of Brunswich, Georgia. Once the Emerald Princess is 3 miles out into international waters, the games can begin with slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, Texas hold ‘em, ep stud poker, video poker, and more.
The next option comes in the form of another casino cruise. In neighboring South Carolina, the Big M Casino Cruise hits the seas out of Little River where the same rules of international waters apply.
If you’re located in Atlanta and prefer land-based casino gambling, then Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s In Murphy, North Carolina is your best option. Or, if you’re near the Alabama border, the Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka will serve your needs. For those traveling south, you’ll find that Florida is home to many casinos.
Georgia Legal Daily Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting
Georgia lawmakers are working towards efforts to expand the state’s legal gambling. This stemming from a newly established Special Committee on Economic Growth. Georgia is looking to bring jobs back to depressed areas and to raise more money in tax revenue. One of the proposed ways of doing this would be through sports betting. It seems like a likelihood, as key Georgian politicians continue to push for it.
This push extends to land-based casino options in the state too. It’s outcome still remains unclear, but it’s always a good sign when big names in the industry are eyeing Atlanta for the next move. Georgia is in a Grey area when it comes to DFS.
Georgia Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What types of gambling are legal in the state of Georgia?
The following forms of gambling are legal in Georgia:
- Casino gambling is illegal, but there is a casino cruise that will take you out to international waters to play slots, table games, and more.
- State lottery including scratch-offs, keno, Powerball, and Mega Millions.
- Charitable gaming such as bingo.
