There are a number of federal laws that affect gambling across the nation. These universal laws intend to end organized crime by outlawing the business of gambling in various ways. While they make it illegal to facilitate bets for profit off others, they do not remark on the average citizen who places a bet. Moreover, there are laws within the constitutions of each individual state to either further expand or simplify this federal standard.
Casual players are free to wager in a number of different instances so long as it is not through operating an illicit scheme. With the federal framework however, there is much room for each state to formulate their own local legislations when it comes to gambling. Georgia is one such state that has done so and we have built this page for all those in the Peach State to utilize and learn of their own laws before going to place a bet. We will outline below where and how Georgia residents may enjoy themselves while adhering to the law.
The State of Georgia follows closely to the Federal template put in place. They do not look favorably on gambling in general, as there are very few instances of state sanctioned facilities to place a bet but only those who aim to make profit off others are targeted. The state does not prosecute mere participants in legal Georgia online gambling.
16-12-21 - While this section clearly defines all forms of gambling in accordance with the letter of the law, it’s really the spirit that’s more important. As to interpreting the spirit of the law, we feel that the fact that Georgia has never prosecuted a resident for merely participating in gambling, online or otherwise, speaks fairly loudly.
16-12-22 - Georgia law strictly prohibits the business of gambling while authorities ignore mere participants. If one is found guilty of ‘Commercial Gambling’ in the Peach State, they may find themselves with a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years.
16-12-28 - This follows along with Georgia’s ‘Commercial Gambling’ clause as any person who knowingly communicates information on bets, odds or knowingly installs and maintains equipment for transmission or receipt of such information with the intent to further gambling is guilty of communicating gambling information. This is similar to the Federal Wire Act and again targets those in the business of gambling.
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Wire Act – The Federal Wire Act passed in 1961 is the oldest of the laws with an emphasis on the transmission of gambling information across state lines. In recent times, lawmakers came to determine that this included the internet and meant that no sanctioned sports betting site in the country could accept players outside their jurisdiction. The Wire Act was bolstered in 1992 by PASPA, which declared it illegal for any states other than Oregon, Delaware, Montana and Nevada to license sports betting in any fashion, even if licensed by local legislations. The federal government also enacted the UIGEA in 2006 that affected the banking transactions of gambling businesses over the internet to strengthen the Wire Act and PASPA for modern times.
PASPA – The one common factor between these three laws is that they allow for all players in the U.S. to use legal gambling sites. They do not target the recreational gambler and they only apply to illicit gambling businesses within the United States. This means that any local in the State of Georgia is capable of legally visiting any online gambling site that is simply located outside of the country.
UIGEA – The United States' stance on gambling is clear through the numerous acts put in place throughout the country over the past few decades. Laws such as the Federal Wire Act, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act (UIGEA) all strictly prohibit the business of gambling in their own way. Those who facilitate bets for profit are the targets of these acts while mere participants and recreational gamblers are not. Players who only stand to profit from their own winnings are exempt from any punishment, investigation, prosecution or enforcement.
While Georgia does not provide many instances of gambling within their borders, they still have a set age for anyone who wishes to do so legally. Only those who are aged 18 years of age or older are permitted to play the lottery or visit a state licensed facility such as the lone casino boat in Brunswick. Anyone caught gambling under age in the Peach State may face fines and jail time up to 20 days however the law does allow minors to play Bingo underage if accompanied by an adult. We strongly urge anyone looking to legally gamble in Georgia and place a bet that are of legal adult age before doing so.
While Georgia may hold a dim view on gambling in general with many clear penalties for those who unlawfully do so, there are many instances where one can adhere to local policies. Players in the Peach State must be sure that they are of legal age, visit only state licensed facilities or visit online betting sites that are legally operating outside of both state and federal laws. If social gamblers in Georgia do not engage in Commercial Gambling while following these rules, they will find that they are able to enjoy a wide variety of gambling options.
The sites that we recommend on this page are legally available and open to all adults residing in the state of Georgia without the need for worry or concern of both federal and state law.
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