Georgia casinos remain illegal in The Peach State despite numerous attempts to regulate the industry. Although there are few Georgia casino options to speak of, including Indian casinos, you can still find gambling opportunities in neighboring states.
Georgia casinos are few and far between. Current state law makes it very hard to place bets in GA casinos for real money. Lawmakers have also nixed the state’s proposals to legalize sports betting.
Despite the lack of B&M casinos in Georgia, you can still get to play games. It may just require a little traveling on your part. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best casinos in and around The Peach State.
bestbet Jacksonville is primarily a poker room in Florida, but it does offer a wealth of alternative card game action for gamblers coming down from Georgia. Just don’t go looking for any roulette tables, which are banned.
Opened in 2012, this facility offers a 20,000-square-foot gaming floor dedicated primarily to poker. With 70 tables, you’ll find a variety of games including Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, and Omaha. You can also play casino table games at one of the closest things to a Georgia casino that you can find.
There are no slot machines here, but don’t let that dampen your spirits. The poker room is where the real action is. From novice to experienced players, there’s a game for everyone. The facility is also known for hosting the World Poker Tour, so you might even get a chance to rub shoulders with some of the poker greats.
While there’s no sportsbook, bestbet Jacksonville offers a unique wagering experience with live greyhound racing and simulcast wagering, bringing the excitement of the racetrack right to you.
As for dining, the facility houses a sushi bar and a deli, offering a variety of delicious options to keep you fueled for the games. While there isn’t a hotel within the property, there are several accommodations nearby.
Customer reviews often praise the friendly and professional staff, the variety of poker games, and the quality of the food. The venue’s rewards scheme, the bestbet Rewards Card, is also a hit, allowing you to earn points as you play.
In terms of deals, bestbet Jacksonville hosts daily promotions and poker tournaments, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening when you visit.
The Ocala Jai-Alai Casino has been entertaining locals and tourists alike since its grand opening in 1973. It’s not the biggest Florida casino on our list, but it does provide a shorter trip than the Seminole casinos if you are traveling down from The Peach State.
As you step into the expansive 10,000-square-foot gaming floor, you’ll be greeted by an array of exciting games. The facility boasts an impressive collection of slot machines, with over 500 options to choose from. You’ll find popular titles like Wheel of Fortune by IGT and Buffalo by Aristocrat.
If table games are more your speed, you’re in luck. Ocala Jai Alai offers a variety of games, including blackjack and roulette. Video poker enthusiasts will also find a dedicated area with multiple machines.
Poker aficionados will be thrilled to discover the dedicated poker room. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice, there’s a game and a table for you. The facility doesn’t offer a sportsbook, but the live Jai Alai games more than make up for it.
When it’s time to take a break from the gaming floor, you’ll find comfort and luxury in the attached hotel. With over 100 rooms, the hotel offers a serene retreat after a day of excitement.
Ocala Jai Alai values its patrons and offers a comprehensive rewards program. As a member, you’ll earn points for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for dining, gaming, and hotel stays. Don’t forget to check out their happy hour deals for great discounts on drinks.
The Emerald Princess is one of America’s most-traveled casinos. How? It’s a cruise liner that collects gamblers from Brunswick and sails into international waters to provide table games and slots. There’s even a swimming pool and theater to distract you if the gambling isn’t going so well.
Emerald Princess Casino spreads an impressive range of table games in addition to its 200+ slots. The Georgia casino has blackjack (and video blackjack), craps, roulette, and video poker, plus some exclusive games like Bonanza Bingo, Big 20 Bonus Blackjack, and EP Stud Poker.
In EP Stud Poker, a variant of Five-Card Stud, you have the option of folding your hand before you proceed with the betting. Bonanza Bingo is a form of American Bingo with cards costing up to $10 a game.
Though this Georgia “casino” doesn’t offer gambling promotions as you’d find at Georgia online casinos, you can find lots of entertainment deals. Specials include drink and food deals, specialty dinners for couples, and live DJs.
Alabama’s Victoryland Casino opened back in 1983 and spreads thousands of games across its 320,000-square-foot casino floor. It’s one of the biggest casinos in the region and certainly one of the top options if you’re not venturing to North Carolina. Plus, it’s only one hour in a car from Columbus, GA.
As you explore the vast gaming area, you’ll discover an impressive array of over 3,200 slot machines. Popular titles like Dancing Drums by Scientific Games and Quick Hit by Bally Technologies are sure to catch your eye. If you prefer table games, Victoryland Casino offers a diverse selection, including blackjack, roulette, and video poker.
The casino also features a dedicated poker room for all poker enthusiasts. However, if you’re more into sports betting, Victoryland Casino has got you covered with a state-of-the-art sportsbook. There’s also simulcast greyhound racing and horse racing available.
The casino experience extends beyond the gaming floor. Victoryland Casino is also home to a luxurious hotel with over 500 rooms. After a day of gaming, you can retreat to the comfort of your spacious room, equipped with all the modern amenities.
When it comes to dining, the casino offers several restaurant options, serving a variety of cuisines. The customer reviews for both the hotel and casino are overwhelmingly positive, praising the excellent service, the quality of the rooms, and the diverse gaming options.
Victoryland Casino values its loyal customers and offers a rewarding loyalty scheme. As a member, you can earn points every time you play, which can be redeemed for various perks. The casino also runs regular happy hour deals, giving you the chance to make the most of your gaming experience.
Harrah’s has two casinos in North Carolina, just a little way north of the Georgia border. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is closer to the border than Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, plus you can get a transit bus there from Georgia. Take advantage of North Carolina’s new sports betting laws while you’re taking in the slots and table games.
opened its doors in 2015. The casino boasts an impressive 50,000 square feet of gaming floor, offering a diverse range of gaming options to cater to all types of players.
Step onto the vibrant gaming floor and you’ll find over 1,000 slot machines, including popular titles such as “Wheel of Fortune” by IGT and “Buffalo” by Aristocrat. If you’re a fan of table games, you won’t be disappointed. From blackjack and roulette to video poker, there’s something for everyone.
For poker enthusiasts, there’s a dedicated poker room where you can test your skills against other players. Sports fans aren’t left out either, with a state-of-the-art sportsbook offering a thrilling sports betting experience.
When it’s time to rest, retreat to the comfort of the hotel. With 300 rooms, the hotel offers a relaxing stay with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Customer reviews consistently praise the hotel for its cleanliness, modern amenities, and exceptional service.
When it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice with several restaurants offering a range of cuisines. From casual dining to fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel values its loyal customers. With its Caesars Rewards loyalty program, members can earn and redeem reward credits at more than 50 Caesars properties worldwide.
Happy hour deals are also a regular feature, with special offers on drinks and appetizers making for an enjoyable evening out.
Once you’re familiar with the gambling laws in Georgia, you’ll want to head out to look for the best casinos. Here are details and addresses on five of the best alternative Georgia casinos right now.
| Casino Name | Address | City | State | Phone Number |
| Bestbet Jacksonville | 201 Monument Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225 | Jacksonville | Florida | 1-904-646-0001 |
| Ocala Jai Alai | 4601 W Hwy 318, Orange Lake, FL 32681 | Orange Lake | Florida | 1-352-591-2345 |
| Emerald Princess II | 101 Emerald Princess Dr. Brunswick, GA 31523 | Brunswick | Georgia | 1-912-265-3558 |
| Victoryland Casino | 8680 Co Rd 40, Shorter, AL 36075 | Shorter | Alabama | 1-334-727-0540 |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River | 777 Casino Pkway, Murphy, NC 28906 | Murphy | North Carolina | 1-828-422-7777 |
Casinos in Georgia’s neighboring states vary massively in terms of space. Tribal casinos in Florida can be huge, while even Harrah’s properties across the border are small by the standards of other states. Check out the legal gambling age by state before you journey out.
| Casino Name | Gaming Space |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River | 55,000 square feet |
| bestbet Jacksonville | 144,000 square feet |
| Ocala Jai Alai Casino | 15,000 square feet |
| Victoryland Casino | 320,000 square feet |
| Emerald Princess Casino | 10,000 square feet |
The variety of games at Georgia Casinos is enormous. The biggest casinos are branded properties located outside the state. Always check the US gambling laws before you head over state lines.
| Casino Name | Number of Games |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River | 3,300+ |
| Victoryland Casino | 3,200+ |
| bestbet Jacksonville | 80+ |
| Ocala Jai Alai Casino | 400+ |
| Emerald Princess Casino | 300+ |
Some hotels in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida have hotels attached to their casinos. You may also be able to claim comped rooms with your loyalty points.
| Casino Name | Number of Rooms |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River | 300 |
| bestbet Jacksonville | n/a |
| Ocala Jai Alai Casino | n/a |
| Victoryland Casino | 500 |
| Emerald Princess Casino | n/a |
Georgia casinos offer a massive variety of games and slots. The range at Georgia land-based casinos is comparable to what you might find at real-money online casinos.
Different rules are depending on which state you’re in. For example, you may not find roulette games readily available in Florida, while they will be in North Carolina.
In addition, you’ll have to cross state lines to lay your in-person sports bets down. The best Georgia online sportsbooks are all available offshore for the time being.
You can play games via real-money casino apps if they accept Georgians. You can also play on slot machines in Georgia at convenience stores and gas stations.
That’s the good news: the bad news is that you can’t win real money on physical slot machines in The Peach State. Instead, you must redeem win credits for fuel or lottery tickets.
Regular slot machines are freely available at casino resorts across the border. Play from 1c a spin, or hit the high-roller games for $500+ a spin. Linked progressives are also available.
You can play roulette on board the Emerald Princess II or at casinos in Alabama and North Carolina. However, even tribal casinos in Florida are prohibited from spreading roulette tables, though an update in gambling law could change that. Don’t forget that you can also access live dealer casinos from within Georgia.
Most casinos in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida offer blackjack games. You’re not restricted to just classic blackjack, either: casinos spread Spanish 21 and 21+3 with a variety of side bets. You will have to travel as far as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida to find live blackjack games.
Craps is generally found at the larger casinos in North Carolina and Alabama. However, you’ll struggle to find the game at Florida casinos, where it is largely banned.
Video poker is the popular electronic gaming terminal game found at the larger casinos in the region, such as Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. Most terminals feature several games in one, some of which include joker cards.
Casinos in the Deep South offer a spread of casino poker games, including local favorites like Mississippi Stud and Three-Card Poker. The Emerald Princess Casino offers a version of Stud where you must make the best hand from 3 personal cards and 2 community cards. You also have a chance to win a special high-roller bonus.
There are no Indian tribes currently in Georgia who operate casinos. However, the Cherokee in North Carolina operate Harrah’s casino properties (two casinos in total). Over the border in Florida, the Seminole Tribe has a near-monopoly on casino games. Though the Chickasaw Nation spreads across Georgia and Tennessee territory, the tribe operates casinos as far as Oklahoma.
Strictly speaking, there are no gambling winnings in Georgia in the traditional sense. At a Georgia casino like the Emerald Princess, you are playing in international waters. However, you may be subject to personal income tax if you hit it lucky.
Slot machines are permitted in stores, and these are regulated by the Georgia Lottery. However, under state law, you can only redeem winnings for lottery tickets or merchandise, not money.
The Georgia Lottery was launched in 1992 and has raised nearly $27bn in funds for local education projects. Lottery winnings are taxed at a personal level and must be declared on your IRS form.
Some charitable gambling is permitted in Georgia. Gambling is overseen by the Commercial Gambling Unit in Georgia. They oversee legal charitable gambling through lotteries and bingo.
Most forms of gambling are prohibited in The Peach State. Online gambling is restricted following UIGEA, though you can bet offshore. You must be 21 or over to gamble in neighboring states to Georgia, such as Florida and North Carolina. You may be required to show a form of photo ID when you visit a brick-and-mortar Georgia casino.
Most land-based casinos in Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama are smoke-free. The same rule applies to a floating Georgia casino like the Emerald Princess. Vaping is also covered under the ban.
There is limited horse racing in Georgia, but pari-mutuel betting is prohibited. There is some unregulated racing near Atlanta, but neither races nor betting is regulated.
No, there is currently no greyhound racing permitted throughout Georgia. You can place bets via sportsbooks in North Carolina, and gambling covers simulcast races from tracks across the United States.
Casino gambling remains illegal in The Peach State. The state constitution prohibits most forms of gambling, other than the state lottery, bingo, and raffles. A constitutional amendment is needed to change the existing state gambling laws.
There are currently no GA land-based casinos operating. It’s illegal to own or operate a brick-and-mortar in The Peach State under current state law. However, you can venture outside Georgia to casinos in neighboring states like Florida and Tennessee to visit resorts.
Yes, some charitable gambling is permitted in Georgia in the form of bingo and regales. The industry is strictly regulated and non-profit organizations must obtain a license from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation before providing games. Bingo prizes cannot exceed $1,500 per session.
The first Georgia casino to open was the Emerald Princess. It launched in 2006 and offered cruises and casino games in international waters. You can board the boat at Brunswick and enjoy table games and slots legally while you are on board.
The state tax on gambling in Georgia is around 1–5.75%, depending on the size of the win. This covers any gambling profits as part of your regular income. However, there are no set gross gaming revenue taxes as Georgia has no legal casino properties.
No, there are no new Georgia casinos slated to be built in the state. However, a 2023 poll suggested voters were overwhelmingly in support of The Peach State adding new B&M casinos.
Yes, there is responsible gambling help for players in Georgia. Local help includes the Georgia Crisis and Access Line, which is available 24/7 (1-866-922-7369). The Georgia Lottery provides a ‘Play Responsibly’ program that provides various self-help tools and questionnaires.
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