Can I Bet On Sports Online In Georgia?
Unfortunately, current law forbids online sportsbooks from operating within the state, meaning that you can’t bet on sports online in Georgia. But that seems more than likely to change in the near future, especially with promising legislative advantages that seem to hint toward the legalization of mobile betting.
Various sports teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks have also endorsed online betting, adding to the pressure. If all goes to plan, online sports betting could be a reality by the end of 2021.
Where Can I Place A Bet In Georgia?
Tying in with the above, you currently can’t place a bet in Georgia. The state has no form of legalized gambling at the moment. Unlike other states, even onsite casinos and sportsbooks are not permitted to operate.
The best bet for Georgians looking to place wagers on sports is to travel across the northern border of the state into Tennessee, where mobile sports betting is legal.
Georgia Online Sportsbook List
How Do Sports Betting Signup Offers Work?
Receiving a signup offer is one of the very best things about betting online. Sportsbooks use them as a way to attract first-time customers and they work for both sides, as bettors are often given a leg up thanks to the bonus being presented to them.
There are multiple ways to ensure you can take advantage of a signup offer when getting ready to start the registration process:
- Click the ‘Get Bonus’ widget next to the site of your choice on BonusSeeker This will direct you to the registration page.
- Click on one of our sportsbook links featured throughout the site, which will also take you to the registration page
- Visit the sportsbook website directly and click ‘Join Now’ or ‘Register’ to sign up. But be sure to copy one of our promo codes to paste during the signup process and claim your bonus.
When it comes to claiming a signup offer, there generally are three different types of welcome bonuses you can receive. The one you get is dependent on the site you choose, but we’ve detailed each of them below.
First Deposit Offer
This bonus involves the sportsbook matching your initial deposit a percentage of the way, up to a certain amount.
Many sites with this bonus offer a 100 percent deposit match, which is one of the very best offers you can receive since you are effectively doubling the amount you have to spend before you risk a penny of your own money. Most deposit bonuses are awarded in the form of site credit.
In such a case, if you deposit $200, the site will give you an extra $200 in site credit to wager with, giving you a grand total of $400.
This is the way to ensure you receive the most for your money when signing up, but it’s important to keep in mind that wagering requirements will need to be met before you can withdraw funds won with the bonus money. Most first deposit offers will match the investment up to $250 or $500, depending on the site.
No Deposit Offer
No deposit offers aren’t the most popular but they’re certainly worth taking advantage of if you get the chance. As the name suggests, the sportsbook doesn’t require a deposit of any kind for you to receive a bonus
Just sign up to the sportsbook providing this offer and receive the bonus immediately after completing the sign-up process. The amount of a no deposit bonus is usually small, perhaps $20 or $25, but it’s still worthwhile considering you are essentially being awarded free money.
If you wish to withdraw money from such offers, you can only do so after meeting the wagering requirements that come attached with no deposit offers. Again, this differs from site to site, so always check with your sportsbook to see the terms and conditions that accompany such offers.
How To Sign Up For A Sports Betting Site?
Before signing up for an online sportsbook, it’s important to take note of which bonus is being offered as your preference for a specific type of bonus may play a part in helping you choose the best sportsbook for you.
After settling on the sportsbook that you want, the next step is signing up and claiming your bonus. Follow these steps to get signed up:
- After landing on the registration page, fill out the required info (name, address, email, upload photo ID, etc.) in the designated fields.
- If you got to the sportsbook’s site without using any of our links, ensure that you enter one of our promo codes. This will guarantee that you get your bonus at the end of the registration.
- Go through all the terms of service and agree to everything. Once done, click ‘submit’ or ‘enter’. This will complete the registration process and instantly trigger your bonus.
- A confirmation email with all the input information will be sent to you for your records.
- Next, click deposit and choose your preferred payment method.
- The amount deposited will immediately reflect in your new account. If you were to receive a first deposit match bonus, that will reflect in your account as well.
- Now you’re free to begin placing wagers.
How To Fund Your Betting Account
With the variety of banking options available these days, funding your online betting account and withdrawing from it is one of the easier tasks. Most deposits are instantaneous too, adding to the convenience of the entire process.
These wide arrays of options far outweigh in-person betting, which forces you to schedule time out of your day to go and place bets in cash. Below are simple step-by-step processes of making deposits and withdrawals when betting online.
Sportsbook Deposit Process
Whether it’s your first or hundredth time making a deposit, the standard procedure is quite easy to follow and remember. Just heed to the steps below:
- Press the ‘deposit’ or ‘add funds’ button that you see on the sportsbook’s website.
- Choose your preferred banking method.
- Enter the exact amount that you wish to deposit.
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, you will be asked to enter your username and password to complete the transaction.
- The site will then verify that the deposit has been successfully completed, and the amount will immediately be visible on your betting account.
- A confirmation email for every deposit will also be sent to you.
Sportsbook Withdrawal Process
After winning a couple of wagers, you’ll surely be ready to get your hands on your profits. The good thing is that withdrawal options are also aplenty. The standard steps to follow to ensure that you cash out your winnings are outlined below:
- Search for the ‘Withdraw’ button on your sportsbook’s website or app.
- Click on your preferred method of withdrawal.
- Enter the desired amount that you want to withdraw.
- If your preferred withdrawal method is an eWallet like PayPal, you’ll be prompted to enter your password which then completes the transaction.
- The remaining balance on your account will be updated to reflect the most recent withdrawal, and a confirmation email will also be sent to you.
Online Sportsbook Payment Options
Online sportsbooks offer a wide range of payment options, ensuring that bettors can easily load up their account or take money out of it. There are generally many more methods for deposits than withdrawals, but it’s a simple enough process either way with all of the below options.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are the preferred everyday payment method for many people, and it’s no surprise to find that they are as common in the betting world as well.
Deposits via this method are instant and don’t have any fees from the sportsbook’s side. The most common credit cards accepted are Mastercard, Visa, Amex, and Discover. It is important to note that this method cannot be used for withdrawals.
Debit Cards
Debit cards work in almost the same way that credit cards do. Deposits are instant and don’t come with a fee attached. Similarly to credit cards, they can’t be used as a withdrawal method. The most common debit cards accepted by most sportsbooks are Amex, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are a great option for those who don’t want to use debit or credit, though it works the same way a debit card does. They allow bettors to keep their banking information anonymous without having to share it with the sportsbook. Deposits are instant but small fees are often attached to each transaction
Play Plus
Many sportsbooks have their own site-branded prepaid card called a Play+ card, which is brought to us by Discover. These cards are a preferred option because they can be used to withdraw money and not only deposit.
It works the same way a debit card does and there are no fees attached. Deposits and withdrawals are both instantly added to your account and if you choose to take out money using it at an ATM (Pulse and NYCE only), there will be a $2.00 fee attached.
PayPal
PayPal is the most common eWallet in the world, and as such, it is one of the primary methods used in online sportsbooks and casinos. Opening a PayPal account is easy and once that’s done, bettors can easily fund their accounts while keeping their banking information anonymous.
Deposits through PayPal reflect immediately, but withdrawals can take between 24 and 48 hours. This eWallet also has no fees attached to it but keep in mind that in order to use PayPal for withdrawals, you need to use it for deposits as well.
Skrill
Skrill is another popular eWallet that operates in a very similar way to PayPal. Bettors can use it to deposit and withdraw money from their betting account and transactions usually process in 24 to 48 hours. There are also no fees to use it as an intermediary between your sportsbook and your bank.
The downside to Skrill is that it’s not accepted at all sportsbooks, so PayPal may be a safer option.
PayNearMe
Some people still like paying with cash instead of some of the above methods, and this is where PayNearMe comes in.
To use this method, first, confirm that it is listed as one of the payment options used by your sportsbook. If so, select it as your deposit method. From there, you’ll have to select the nearest participating 7-Eleven, CVS, or Family Dollar.
The sportsbook will then send you a voucher with a barcode to be taken to the store that you’ve selected. Once at the store, pay for the voucher in cash, after which the voucher’s barcode will be scanned. Funds will then reflect in your account in 15 to 30 minutes.
The fee associated with this method is around $5.99 per transaction. This payment method is only for deposits and cannot be used to process withdrawals.
ACH/eCheck
Using eCheck or ACH (Automated Clearing House) gives bettors the ability to link their bank accounts to their betting accounts. Funds used are, therefore, transferred via direct debit from the bank to the user’s sportsbook account.
Not every sportsbook offers this as an option but for the ones that do, such a method is thoroughly secure. Deposits via bank transfers are instant while withdrawals may take several days to process.
Check By Mail
You can receive your winnings by check as well. This method has no withdrawal fees, but the tradeoff is that you’ll have to wait between seven days and two weeks to receive your check in the mail.
Cash At The Casino Cage
Many sportsbooks partner with onsite casinos and give you the option of collecting your winnings in person by visiting the casino’s cashier cage. If you live close to the casino, this might be the preferred method since you get your money immediately.
Online Sports Betting Apps
With the growth of technology, more and more convenient options are available in the palm of our hands. The same is true with sports betting. Instead of having to use a desktop browser to place a bet, you can easily do so through a sportsbook’s app.
All the betting options available on the browser are also available on the app, but using a mobile device adds a layer of convenience. It may take a few extra seconds to locate you when you’re out and about, but there’s nothing you can’t do with a mobile device compared to using the desktop version of a sportsbook. .
Can I Bet On Sports With My iPhone Or Other iOS Devices?
Yes. You can place wagers online using your iPhone or any other iOS device.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Android Phone or Tablet?
Yes. You can place wagers online using either your Android phone or tablet.
How To Download Sportsbook Apps On iPhone
Just like any other app, downloading a sportsbook app on your iPhone is a relatively easy process. Just follow the simple steps below:
- Go to the App Store and search for the sportsbook.
- Click download and wait for a few moments as it installs.
- If you’re a new user, complete the registration process as previously outlined after the app has been installed. For returning users, enter your email and password to log in.
- After doing so, you can begin placing wagers immediately.
How To Download Sportsbook Apps On Android
Unlike iOS devices, you can’t find sportsbook apps on the Google Play Store. However, downloading them is still an easy process. The simplified steps below will guide you on how to do so:
- Using an internet browser, go to the sportsbook’s homepage. Scroll down till you see the ‘Download for Android’ option on the site.
- After clicking on that option, the app will be downloaded as an APK file.
- The next step is to initiate app installation. Your phone will ask you whether you want to install apps from unknown sources and prompt you to change this setting, which you should then accept.
- The app will begin downloading and will be visible on your home screen once installation completes.
Which Sports Can I Bet On In Georgia
There’s no denying that one phenomenal thing about online sportsbooks is that these sites aim to give players a wide variety of options. Regardless of the sport or league you’re into, it’s almost guaranteed that you find something you can comfortably wager on. Some of the most common sports and leagues that bookies offer include:
- Football (NCAA, NFL)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA, Euroleague, & more)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Hockey (NHL, KHL, & more)
- Golf (PGA, LPGA, European Tour)
- Soccer (EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga, MLS, & more)
- Boxing/MMA
- Motorsports (NASCAR, Formula 1)
- Tennis (ATP, WTA)
Can I Bet On Georgia College Teams?
The proposed sports betting bill states that most collegiate events can be wagered on but still prohibits betting on local college teams from Georgia. This restriction is similar to what we see in some other states including New Jersey.
Land-Based Sportsbooks vs. Online Sportsbooks
Land-based sportsbooks offer a social experience that online sites can’t replicate but other than that, the advantages lie almost entirely with mobile betting. There are many things that online wagering offers that brick-and-mortar sportsbooks don’t and they include but are not limited to the following:
- Conveniently from a location of your choice
- Signup bonuses (first deposit, no deposit, bonus bet)
- Ongoing promotional offers (daily, weekly, and monthly)
- Variety of banking methods
- Live betting made easy
- Odds boosts and profit boosts
- More betting markets
Legal Sports Betting vs. Illegal Offshore Sports Betting
If you’re torn between opting for a regulated sports betting site and choosing an illegal offshore one, you should closely weigh the two options. Bettors may think the two are one and the same but there are actually some serious risks that come with shady offshore betting sites.
It’s important to know that these sites are operated under the flag of another country to purposely avoid the rules and regulations that legal US sportsbooks adhere to. That means they don’t have the oversight that ensures the integrity of the industry, and it also means your personal and financial information could be at risk. Consider the following disadvantages to playing offshore:
- Low signup bonuses (if any) and very few promotions
- Limited withdrawal options, with some forcing you to opt for cryptocurrency.
- Many banks do not allow deposits to offshore sites. Those that do attach extremely high fees
- If you have problems with your account, it is next to impossible to resolve such issues since they do not have reliable customer service
- There’s no guarantee that you’ll receive your money even if you do win
People don’t realize that these sites are technically illegal. You won’t ever face legal action for using an offshore sportsbook but the site is violating international law by accepting your money, which is why it opts for cryptocurrency and many mainstream banking companies won’t associate with them.
Some people see these sites as their only option depending on the state they live in but even then, it is not worth the risks involved. Daily fantasy or a site such as FendOff Sports could be a better option.
Georgia Sports Betting Timeline
Following the landmark 2018 SCOTUS ruling that paved the way for legal sports betting around the country, Georgia didn’t seem to be in such a rush to jump into the sports betting craze. It seemed like a tough sell considering the state has no casinos like some of the other states that were pushing for sports betting.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the idea of legal sports betting got a huge surge as the state started looking for other revenue streams. Since then, a lot of momentum has seeped into the cause and lawmakers along with many sports teams from the state support the legalization of sports betting.
Legislators tried to push for sports betting at the end of 2020, with a major focus on online betting. Most recently in February 2021, the state’s Senate Special Judiciary Committee voted 5-2 on a legislation to legalize online sports betting, with the bill now going for a full vote in the senate with just a few more hurdles left.
Where things currently stand, it feels like a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’, and it looks like mobile betting will also be attached.
Georgia Sports Betting Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have To Live In Georgia To Bet Online?
You do not need to be a resident of the state of Georgia to bet online. You do, however, need to be physically inside the state in order to wager. Each app uses geolocation technology to ensure players are within legal betting range.
Can I Win Real Money At A Georgia Sportsbook?
Yes. You can win real money at a Georgia sportsbook once online sports betting is launched in the state. After you deposit money into an account and win a bet, all you have to do is withdraw the money to claim your winnings.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In Georgia?
To take part in lottery games within Georgia, you must be at least 18years-old. The current proposed age for sports betting is 21, the same as in many other states.
Are Georgia Online Sportsbooks Safe?
Yes. All the Georgia online sportsbooks will be safe and regulated, as they are in other states with betting. The Georgia Lottery Corporation will be the governing body that will oversee all of the industry and ensure its integrity.
What Is Sports Betting Handle?
Sports betting handle refers to the total sum of cash taken in on bets over a fixed period and is calculated by the sportsbook receiving this money.
This handle can be for a specific type of bet, a given sport, game, or season. Any amount of money that you wager contributes to the overall handle received by a sportsbook.