Lawmakers in Georgia Plans to Advocate for Casinos in 2018 in Spite of Resistance
In 2021, Georgians are left hoping for those lucky 7s to show up at the casino or betting on their favorite football team to win big, but it's not as simple as placing a bet and collecting the winnings. Georgia remains one of the staunchest opponents of gambling expansion, resisting both casinos and sports betting[1][3]. Here's the lowdown on Georgia's current gambling landscape:
- Sports betting has yet to make its way into the Peach State. Various bills aiming to legalize it have been tossed around like hot potatoes, only to miss their legislative deadlines in early 2021[3].
- Casino gambling is as unheard of in Georgia as a polar vortex in July. The only casino option available is the Emerald Princess casino cruise ship, sailing in state waters[1].
- Despite ongoing legislative discussions and the occasional glimmer of hope, no real progress was made in 2021 toward legalizing either sports betting or casinos. The earliest plausible timeline for any legal gambling action is projected as early 2026—or even later—providing voter approval and a well-crafted regulatory framework[1][3].
- Georgia has a long-standing reputation for being one of the least gambling-friendly states in the U.S., and that stance hasn't wavered in 2021 despite whispers of legalization[3].
If you're hoping to get your gambling fix in Georgia, it appears you'll have to wait a while—perhaps sip some sweet tea and pay a visit to your local bingo hall instead. Keep your fingers crossed for the future, folks!
[1] Gambling in Georgia: The Current Landscape[2] Georgia's Efforts to Legalize Sports Betting[3] Georgia's Gambling Regulations on Casinos and Sports Betting
- The introduction of sports betting in Georgia, a practice that has been debated but remains illegal, is yet to occur, much like the appearance of a polar vortex in July.
- Given Georgia's staunch opposition to gambling expansion, casinos, including the traditional onshore casinos, are similarly unavailable, with the exceptions being the limited offerings aboard the Emerald Princess casino cruise ship.
- Despite ongoing discussions and a hint of potential progress, no significant steps were taken in 2021 towards legalizing either sports betting or casinos in Georgia.
- If Georgia's history is any indicator, the state's steadfast resistance to gambling shows no signs of fading, with the stance on gambling remaining unchanged in 2021.
- The earliest possible timeline for legal gambling action in Georgia, contingent upon voter approval and a sensible regulatory framework, is predicted to be as early as 2026, potentially even later.
- With Georgia's current gambling landscape offering little more than a visit to a local bingo hall, those seeking their gambling fix may want to considering waiting for a bipartisan approach and potential future legalization before heading to the state.
