Georgia legal online sports betting updates

Georgia has a long history of being an anti-gambling advocate. So when the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) on May 14, 2018, there was not much hope that the Peach State would suddenly introduce legislation to allow sports betting.

There are no casinos in the state of Georgia, and many obstacles remain before residents will be able to bet on pro and college football, basketball or MLB, NHL, PGA or other sports of interest.

Legislation updates on sports betting in Georgia

Legislators are continuing efforts to propose bills and pass legislation that would allow the Georgia Gaming Commission to authorize the licensing of up to two ‘resort destinations’ with casinos. The existence of casinos in the state is likely a necessary precursor to any future legal sports betting in Georgia.

But there are no sports betting bills in the 2019 session. The 2020 election represents the next opportunity for a ballot referendum, and voters will have heir say on a new constitutional amendment being proposed for sports betting.

HR 380 would need two thirds majority in both the House and Senate to pass, and the amendment would need more than half of Georgia voters to approve in the 2020 election. It’s a longshot, but that what makes sports betting so appealing and hope eternal for residents of Georgia.

http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20192020/183042.pdf

Can you bet online in Georgia?

Although the state of Georgia has a nonexistent land-based gambling industry, federal laws permit residents to gamble legally over the Internet. Residents can legally play daily fantasy sports (DFS).

Georgia residents can bet online with out-of-state and offshore online gambling operators. While not technically legal, residents in Georgia can gamble online through these platforms, as licensed offshore sportsbooks are located outside the jurisdiction of the US federal laws. There is no legal punishment that has yet occurred to residents for betting illegally offshore or at sites not based in the U.S. However, choosing a reputable and well-financed sports book is recommended as these operators could elect to not pay winnings to residents of the state where the sportsbooks are not legal. Minimum age to bet online is 21.