Online Sports Betting in Georgia 2024
What’s the current gambling situation in the Peach State? Online sports betting is not legal in Georgia. Despite recent legislative efforts, no bills have passed, leaving residents with a limited but existing gambling offering.
In this guide, find the latest on Georgia’s sports betting laws, top alternatives, and our tips on handling potential winnings. Let’s get you up to speed!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn about the overall situation of GA online gambling.
- Find out the most popular sweepstakes bookmakers in Georgia.
- Discover which teams and sports Georgia residents like best.
Best Social Sports Betting for Georgia Bettors
While real-money online sportsbooks are not available in Georgia, sweepstakes sports betting sites are a great alternative. As these platforms allow users to place sports picks using virtual currencies rather than actual money, they are accessible to GA bettors.
Based on our team TrustnBet recommendations, here are the best social sports betting sites in Georgia:
Georgia Online Gambling: What’s Legal and What’s Not
Georgia’s gambling laws are some of the strictest in the United States, and currently, most forms of gambling are prohibited in the state. This includes online sports betting, online casinos, and horse racing, leaving residents with limited legal options, such as daily fantasy sports and social sportsbooks.
Below is a breakdown of the current legal status of various gambling types in Georgia:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting | No | Not permitted; recent legislative efforts like SB 386 failed to pass. | — |
| Retail Sports Betting | No | Illegal for in-person betting. | — |
| Social Sports Betting | Yes | Social betting sites and apps are available but use virtual currency only. | 18 or 21* |
| Online Casinos | No | Online casino gaming remains illegal. | — |
| Tribal Casinos | No | No licensed commercial casinos in Georgia. | — |
| Lottery | Yes | The state lottery is available. | 18 |
| Horse Racing | No | Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing is prohibited | |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | Legal and accessible through platforms like Underdog and Boom Fantasy | 18 or 21* |
*Legal age may vary by casino.
Note: Although several bills aimed to legalize sports betting, no proposal has passed yet, so residents looking to bet on sports are forced to opt for offshore sportsbooks, which we strongly don’t recommend.
Top Sports and Teams to Follow in Georgia
Georgia’s vibrant sports scene keeps fans eagerly asking when sports betting will be legalized in the state. With many beloved teams, here’s a brief look at the top sports and teams to follow as a GA bettor:
Fact: Atlanta United FC’s 2018 MLS Cup win was celebrated in style, with over 73,000 fans packing the stadium to watch them defeat the Portland Timbers 2-0. Many Georgia fans backed their team with sweepstakes sportsbook predictions, eager to show their support!
Football
Football dominates in Georgia, with the Atlanta Falcons leading the fan base. Former players like Deion Sanders and Matt Ryan are legendary, and in 2022, home game attendance averaged nearly 70,000 fans.
Baseball
Baseball is huge, centered around the Atlanta Braves. With four World Series titles, the Braves play at Truist Park, where fans continue to cheer for the legacy of icons like Hank Aaron.
Basketball
Basketball remains popular thanks to the Atlanta Hawks. They play at State Farm Arena and have a loyal fan base across Georgia, supported by alumni like Dominique Wilkins and millions of social media followers.
Hockey
Georgia hockey fans fondly remember the Atlanta Flames and Thrashers, though neither NHL team is active now. Minor league teams like the Savannah Ghost Pirates and Macon Mayhem continue to draw crowds.
Soccer
Atlanta United FC joined MLS in 2014 and won the MLS Cup in 2018. Their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium have made them a central part of the Georgia sports community.
NASCAR
NASCAR is also popular, with races held annually in Georgia and a strong connection to the state through drivers like Chase Elliott and Roy Hall, originally from Dawsonville.
Reporting Betting Winnings in Georgia
If you win money betting in Georgia, it’s important to know that all gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported to the IRS. Here’s a quick guide to make sure you handle everything correctly:
- Track Your Winnings: Keep records of all bets and winnings throughout the year.
- Report Your Winnings: All gambling winnings are taxable and must be reported as income. Use Form W-2G if winnings exceed the threshold.
- Calculate Taxes Owed: Check both federal and Georgia tax rates for any applicable taxes on winnings.
- Submit Payment: Complete payments through an IRS-approved method to avoid penalties.
To get a full picture of sports betting taxes across the US, we recommend you visit our state-by-state sports betting tax guide.
Georgia Sports Betting: What Comes Next?
The most recent update in Georgia’s sports betting legislation came in 2024, when Senate Bill 386 sought to legalize sports wagering but did not advance before the legislative session concluded. The proposal outlined a regulated betting market under the supervision of the Georgia Lottery, but legislators were unable to reach an agreement.
Sports betting in Georgia remains a topic of debate, and while no bills are currently active, some legislators and industry advocates are hopeful for new proposals in upcoming sessions.
Future legislation may focus on mobile or limited in-person betting, potentially supported by the Georgia Lottery to boost state revenue.
While a timeline remains uncertain, 2025 could see renewed efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia as public interest and potential tax benefits keep the issue in focus.
Stay updated with state gambling legislation in the US with our linked page.
References
- IRS Topic no. 419 on Gambling Income and Losses — Retrieved Nov 14, 2024
- GA SB386 — Retrieved Nov 14, 2024
- Atlanta United Wins MLS Cup in Just its Second Season — Retrieved Nov 14, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia bettors can legally participate in daily fantasy sports and the state lottery.
In Georgia, the legal gambling age is 18 for the lottery, while for social gambling, it varies between 18 and 21.
Illegal gambling in Georgia can lead to fines, misdemeanor charges, probation, or even jail time.
