Sports Gambling In Georgia

Georgia, home of red clay and possible Super Bowl LI champions, has some powerful local sports franchises (mostly out of Atlanta) and a large number of sports fans interested in sports gambling opportunities available to Georgia residents.

The Atlanta Falcons are currently one of four teams vying for the NFL championship this year, subjecting them to millions of people betting for or against them. There are lots of options for betting on these local teams for Georgia residents.

Betting on sports is an exciting version of gambling that attracts all types of bettors from amateur to professional from all over the world. In Georgia, there are several options for places to bet online. As with any form of gambling, there are certain rules and regulations to take note of in order to ensure safe play for all. Below you will find a list of our recommended sportsbooks for Georgia residents.

Is Sports Gambling Legal in Georgia In 2024?

The answer to this question is actually a yes and a no. It all depends on where you intend on placing your bets. At this time, it is not legal to own or operate any type of sports gambling business in Georgia either online or offline.

So no, state licensed sports betting is not legal in the Peach State. However, There are not any state or federal laws that prohibit Georgia residents from enjoying licensed and regulated sportsbook gambling at offshore betting sites that are located outside of the US.

Most Trusted Georgia Online Sportsbooks For 2024

Here we have compiled a refined listing of the industry’s top destinations for legally licensed and regulated sportsbook gambling available to Georgia residents. They each hold legitimate credentials, incorporate a security profile that exceeds minimal licensing requirements, and deliver exceptional customer service to their members. Each site also offers competitive betting lines that are comparable to those found in Vegas.

Sportsbook	Bonus	Rating /5	US Friendly	Play Now
Bovada Sportsbook	50% Max $1,000	4.9	Yes	Play Now
Betonline Sportsbook	50% Max $1,000	4.4	Yes	Play Now
BetUS Sportsbook	125% Max $3,125	4.3	Yes	Play Now

Gambling Laws & Regulated To Online Sports Betting in GA

Technically, state based sports gambling is illegal in Georgia. This is due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that was passed in 1992. PASPA made sports gambling illegal in 46 states, excluding Nevada, Montana, Oregon and Delaware because those states had sports betting already grandfathered in.

However, Georgia residents are still able to place bets through the online bookmakers that we recommend because PASPA only applies to US based bookmakers. The sites we recommend are all legally licensed and regulated offshore sportsbooks that give Georgia residents a piece of the action without fear of breaking any laws.

The Federal Wire Act and Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act are also laws that deal with internet gambling, but again, only US-based gambling. These laws state that no one can place a bet online and as well a providing regulatory oversight for gambling related transactions.

Since the sportsbooks we recommend are offshore, these laws don’t apply and Georgia residents are safe to place bets and transfer money safely and securely.

Will Georgia Legalize Sports Betting In The Future?

Regardless of how lawmakers in Georgia feel about the legalization of US based sports betting, they really have no say in the matter. The federal laws that already exist prohibiting this type of gambling entertainment from US based businesses would take precedence over any subsequent laws that the state of Georgia attempted to pass contrary to federal law regulations.

Unless PASPA is somehow repealed or drastically modified in the future, there will be no legal state licensed sports betting in Georgia.

Popular Sports Teams to Bet On in Georgia

Atlanta is the hotbed for Georgia sports. The city hosts teams in three of the four major professional sports leagues in America. The Atlanta Falcons are currently the best team, as they are set to play in the NFC Conference Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, the winner of which will go on to play in Super Bowl LI.

The Atlanta Hawks are another exciting Georgia team and currently sit 4th in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. Featuring Kent Bazemore, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Howard and more, the Hawks are on their currently looking to clinch a seed in the Playoffs (granted the season still has a long way to go).

While the MLB season doesn’t start for a while, the Atlanta Braves are one of America’s most storied baseball teams. The Braves will be looking to make their mark on the 2017-2018 season, so be sure to keep an eye out for them once the season starts.

For college sports, the two most noteworthy Division 1 teams are the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) Yellow Jackets. These two teams make up a fierce state rivalry and are always mentioned in discussing their respective conferences.

FAQ’s About Betting On Sports

What Options Are Available For Funding My Sportsbook Account?

How you deposit your funds into your sportsbook accounts is based on whatever options the sportsbooks have available to Georgia residents, but ultimately up to your discretion. Most sites offer credit or debit card or Bitcoin deposits as a standard, while others have more options including several options for money transfers, cashier’s checks and money orders, among others.

How Do I Get My Winnings From Offshore Sportsbooks?

Similar to the deposit forms, it depends on what the site has available. In some cases, you may be restricted to receiving your money in the same way you deposited it. For example, if you used a debit card to make your deposits, you may only be available to receive funds back on that same debit card. Check the site’s policies to see how they handle withdraws.

How Safe Is It For Georgia Residents To Bet On Sports At Offshore Sportsbooks?

It is actually very safe. These offshore bookmaker sites that we recommend to Georgia sports fans are 100% legally licensed and operated. Each brand is used and recommended by millions of users and has been extensively vetted by industry professionals, placing them among the most reputable sportsbooks in the business. These offshore sportsbooks also use advanced data encryption, sophisticated protocols and highly secure servers to make sure that your personal information is kept safe.

Are There Any Bonus Offers, Perks or Promotions Available To Georgia Residents?

All of these sportsbooks offer bonuses and incentives to attract and retain users. There are often newcomer bonuses, seasonal bonuses, loyalty rewards and more. Think of these sites as salesmen all trying to not only get your business, but also keep it. They are always trying to top one another and the customer always wins because of it. These bonuses give you plenty of ‘free money’ to place more bets with. Be sure to stay updated on the latest bonuses available to Georgia residents.

What Are The Rules About Paying Taxes on Winnings In GA?

This depends on Georgia tax laws. Standard protocol is to report your winnings because they count as taxable income, regardless of where you won. Different states have different rules regarding gambling winnings, such as at which dollar amount to report your gambling earnings, and these threshold rules change frequently. We suggest you seek out a tax professional familiar with gambling taxation and find out specifically what the reporting figure requirements are.

Can I Participate in Sports Betting From My Mobile Phone Or Tablet?

All of our recommended sportsbooks utilize a well designed mobile app that operates just like the web version for your convenience. The same security policies are in place as well, ensuring the protection of your personal and financial information. The apps are designed to function across a variety of devices with ease, giving you plenty of options for betting on the go.

Are There Any Sports Teams in Georgia That Have A Shot At Winning A National Title in 2024?

Yes. The Atlanta Falcons are one game away from clinching a spot in Super Bowl LI. There are already lots of betting options concerning their AFC matchup against the Green Bay Packers, as well as some future bets for the Super Bowl. The Falcons had the highest scoring offense this season, making them a favorable option from a bettor’s standpoint.

The Hawks are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. While there is still much basketball to play, the Hawks are almost always one of the top eight teams in their conference and therefore make it to the playoffs. With the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics ahead of them in the rankings, they certainly have their work cut out for them.