Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia? 2025 Status & Legal Alternatives
Last Updated: January 2025
No, sports betting is not legal in Georgia. The state has not passed legislation allowing either online or retail sportsbooks to operate within its borders. However, residents can legally participate in daily fantasy sports and use social sportsbooks that operate under different legal frameworks.
Your Legal Betting Options in Georgia (What You CAN Do Right Now)
While traditional sports betting remains prohibited, Georgia residents have several legal alternatives for wagering on sports. These options operate under different regulatory frameworks that allow them to function legally in the state.
1. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) - The Top Legal Choice
Daily fantasy sports platforms are legal in Georgia because they're classified as games of skill rather than games of chance. Unlike traditional sports betting, DFS requires participants to draft teams and compete based on statistical performance over short periods.
The most popular DFS platforms available to Georgia residents include FanDuel, DraftKings, and SuperDraft. These platforms offer contests for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports, with entry fees ranging from free to hundreds of dollars.
| Platform |
Key Feature |
Welcome Bonus |
Status |
| FanDuel |
Largest contest variety |
Up to $100 deposit match |
Fully legal |
| DraftKings |
Best mobile app experience |
$50 instant play bonus |
Fully legal |
| SuperDraft |
Simplified scoring system |
100% deposit match up to $50 |
Fully legal |
2. Social & Sweepstakes Sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks like Fliff and Sportzino operate legally in Georgia by using a virtual currency model. Players purchase virtual coins or receive them for free, then use these coins to place bets. Winnings can often be redeemed for cash prizes through sweepstakes mechanics.
These platforms offer the sports betting experience without direct monetary deposits on individual wagers. Fliff, for instance, allows users to bet on major professional and college sports using "Fliff Coins" that can be converted to cash through their sweepstakes system.
3. Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing
Advance-deposit wagering on horse racing remains legal in Georgia through platforms like TVG and TwinSpires. This form of betting allows residents to wager on horse races from tracks across the country, including major events like the Kentucky Derby.
The pari-mutuel system pools all bets together, with payouts determined by the total amount wagered and the number of winning tickets. While this doesn't cover traditional sports betting, it provides another legal gambling option for Georgia residents.
The Risks of Using Offshore Sportsbooks (e.g., Bovada, BetOnline) in Georgia
Many Georgia residents turn to offshore sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline, but these sites operate in a legal gray area and pose significant risks:
- No Consumer Protection: Your funds are not insured or protected by any regulatory body.
- Withdrawal & Deposit Issues: Sites can refuse payouts or close accounts without reason or recourse.
- Unsecure Personal Data: Risk of your financial and personal information being compromised.
- Questionable Legality: While prosecution of individual users is rare, using these sites places you in a legal gray area.
The Georgia Attorney General's office has issued warnings about offshore gambling sites, emphasizing that they operate without oversight or player protections that regulated markets provide.
The Push for Legalization in Georgia: Latest Updates
Georgia lawmakers have introduced sports betting legislation multiple times, but no bill has successfully passed into law. The most recent attempts include Senate Resolution 135 and Senate Bill 142, both of which failed to gain sufficient support during the 2024 legislative session.
The primary obstacles to legalization include concerns from religious groups and disagreements over tax rates and regulatory structure. According to a [2024 survey by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution], 58% of Georgia residents support legalizing sports betting, but legislative support remains divided.
Key stakeholders continue pushing for legalization, with proponents arguing that Georgia loses potential tax revenue to neighboring states like Tennessee and North Carolina where sports betting is legal.
Betting in Neighboring States: Can Georgians Cross the Border to Bet?
Yes, Georgia residents can legally place sports bets if they are physically located in a state where sports betting is legal, such as Tennessee or North Carolina. Your state of residence doesn't matter - only your physical location when placing the bet.
Tennessee launched mobile sports betting in November 2020, while North Carolina began allowing retail sportsbooks in March 2024, with mobile betting expected to follow. Both states require geolocation verification to ensure bettors are within state boundaries when placing wagers.
Popular sportsbooks operating in these neighboring states include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars. However, remember that you cannot place bets while physically in Georgia, even on apps downloaded in legal states.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get in trouble for using an offshore site in Georgia?
While law enforcement typically focuses on operators rather than individual users, using offshore sportsbooks still carries legal risks. The sites operate without regulatory oversight, meaning you have no legal recourse if problems arise with your account or winnings.
When is the earliest sports betting could be legalized in Georgia?
The next opportunity for lawmakers to consider sports betting legislation will be during the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January. However, there are no guarantees that any proposed bill will pass, given the previous unsuccessful attempts.
What is the proposed legal betting age for Georgia?
Most previous Georgia sports betting bills have proposed a minimum age of 21 years, consistent with the state's casino gambling age requirements. This aligns with neighboring Tennessee's sports betting age limit.
Responsible Gambling Resources in Georgia
If you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction, help is available. The Georgia Council on Problem Gambling provides confidential support and resources at 1-800-522-4700. The National Problem Gambling Helpline also offers 24/7 support at the same number.
Remember that gambling should always be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set limits on time and money spent, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
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