The best online casinos in Georgia: Top GA casino sites for December 2024

1800s – 1870s – Lenient attitudes and introduction of Georgia’s first gaming laws

The state’s attitudes to gambling in the 1800s were very relaxed and reflected the social buzz and excitement over this activity. Later, in the 1870s, the Empire State of the South introduced its first gambling laws.

Early 20th Century – The ban on gambling

The early 20th century was marked by a ban on all gambling forms. This deprived the venues from getting revenue from legal casino games and betting for a few decades until 1976.

1976 – The legalization of charitable bingo

1976 was the year when charitable bingo became officially allowed by the law in the Buzzard State. This was the first step to enter once again into the regulated gambling world.

1992 – 1993 – Establishment and introduction of the Georgia State Lottery

With the establishment of the Government Lottery in 1992, this expanded the state’s limited range of gambling activities a bit further. 1993 was the year when the first lottery ticket was sold in the state under the year ago newly established Georgia State-run Lottery.

1999 – Legalization of slot machines and video poker

1999 was a bit of a controversial year for gambling in the Heart of Dixie, yet a successful one. The legalization of slot machines and video poker games was a huge breakthrough at the time. Still, the Georgian laws regarding such activities were ambiguous at the time.

2015-2017 – Legislative efforts to regulate the gambling industry

In the time limit of the few years between 2015 and 2017, Rep. Ron Stephens and Sen. Brandon Beach made plenty of legislative efforts to regulate the GA gambling industry. They introduced bills to legalize two casinos. However, the lawmakers’ committees approved neither bill.

2018 – Unsuccessful efforts to form a Georgia State Gambling Commission

In 2018, Rep. Stephens introduced a bill that would create the Georgia State Gambling Commission to supervise casinos once they become legal. The bill, however, did not move forward.

2019-2020 – Efforts to introduce casino gaming in Georgia

In 2019, attempts to introduce casino gaming in Georgia through proposed resolutions and study committees occurred. Here is a summary of the events:

Proposed Referendum in the House:

• In 2019, Representative Stephens proposed a resolution to add a referendum to the 2020 ballot. The referendum would ask voters whether they support a constitutional amendment allowing licensed destination resort facilities with casino gambling.
• The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee approved the resolution, but the lack of enough support in the full House eventually led to its withdrawal.
• In the same 2019-year, Senator Beach and others introduced a similar resolution in the Senate. This one, however, was abandoned after being referred to the committee. Senator Beach also led a Senate Study Committee to explore the potential impact of legal gambling in Georgia and horse racing in the state.
• Unfortunately, the committee did not reach a consensus on any recommendations, despite all the efforts made in 2019. It is important to note that the casino gaming status of Georgia may have evolved since then. For the most up-to-date information refer to official sources or contact relevant authorities.

2021 – The push for several resort casinos in Georgia falls short

In 2021, Representative Stephens made another attempt to amend the constitution and allow for a “limited number” of resort casinos in the Cracker State. The HR 30 resolution gathered support from a few House co-sponsors across party lines. Despite this bipartisan support, the bill was withdrawn after failing to make any progress.

2022 – House Speaker Ralston hints at potential gambling expansion ballot measure

In 2022, House Speaker David Ralston kickstarts the year by suggesting that lawmakers may reintroduce a ballot measure. The latter broadly asks voters whether they support gambling expansion. Ralston notes a heightened enthusiasm within the session to take action.

2023 – Unchanged gambling laws

There was a high probability that House Joint Resolution 210 sponsored by Rep. Beverly, would have made Georgia sports betting, pari-mutuel horse racing, and casinos legal. The state legislature concluded its session without voting on any bills to regulate sports betting and gambling, leaving the gambling laws in the state unchanged.

November 2024 – Potential introduction of regulated online gambling bills on state ballot

In November 2024, there is a possibility for regulated online gambling bills to make their way onto Georgia’s ballot. However, this depends on a constitutional amendment that requires a two-thirds majority of the votes.