Georgia Online Poker: Legal Status & Best Sites for 2025
Georgia online poker is easy to access thanks to reputable offshore sites that welcome players from the state. While the Peach State doesn't regulate or license any real money poker platforms of its own, residents and visitors can still enjoy online games without legal risk by sticking to trusted operators.
Despite the state's strict stance on gambling, poker remains a popular pastime, and playing online is often the most practical way to join a table. In this guide, we’ll walk through your best options, how the law applies, and what to expect when playing online poker in Georgia.
Georgia Online Poker
Georgia does not regulate online poker, and no state-licensed platforms are available. However, players can still access offshore poker sites that accept Georgia residents and offer real money games, tournaments, and soft competition. These platforms remain the most accessible option for poker fans in the state, as they operate outside US jurisdiction and continue to serve players without legal pushback.
| Online Poker | Available - Offshore Only |
| Commercial Poker | Available |
| Legal Gambling Age | 18+ |
| Poker Regulator | Georgia Lottery Corporation |
Top Sites for Online Poker in Georgia
Not all offshore poker sites offer the same quality of experience. Some stand out for fast-loading software, others for tournament variety, soft competition, or smooth mobile play. That's why we test and vet platforms based on how they perform specifically for players in the state.
The poker rooms listed below were selected for their reliability, consistent traffic, and strong gameplay across formats.
- Ignition – Best Overall Georgia Poker Site
- Bovada – Great Online Poker Site for Beginners
- BetOnline – Best Georgia Poker App
- Americas Cardroom – Generous Poker Bonuses for GA Players
- Sportsbetting.ag – Great Selection of Online Poker Tournaments in GA
Recent Gambling Happenings in Georgia
While Georgia lawmakers have repeatedly considered legalizing sports betting, online poker has yet to enter the conversation seriously. There hasn't been any legislation introduced to regulate or authorize online poker. The state's focus has remained on sports wagering, with efforts in 2023 again falling short despite multiple proposed bills tied to Georgia Lottery oversight.
Neighboring states have adopted more progressive gambling laws, but Georgia remains one of the most restrictive. Without active momentum or political appetite, online poker regulation in Georgia appears unlikely to happen in the short term.
Is Online Poker Legal in Georgia?
Online poker is unregulated in Georgia, but players can legally access offshore poker sites that accept customers from the United States. These platforms operate outside state jurisdiction, and Georgia law targets unlicensed gambling operators, not individuals playing online from home.
Gambling is broadly defined under Georgia Codes §§ 16-12-20 and 16-12-21, but enforcement has historically focused on those running illegal operations rather than players. To date, there have been no known prosecutions for online poker participation.
Players should choose reputable offshore sites and always gamble responsibly. For recommendations, visit our real money poker page.
Will Georgia Regulate Online Poker?
Georgia remains one of the least likely states to regulate online poker. Despite discussions around sports betting in recent years, there haven't been any serious legislative initiatives to legalize online poker. The state's constitution poses significant barriers to gambling expansion, and public opposition remains high. While a broader federal framework could theoretically open the door, such a shift appears unlikely in the near future.
What Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Georgia?
Below is a comparison table with all the information you need to navigate the legal gambling landscape in the Peach State.
| Type/Code | Summary |
|---|---|
| State Code Section(s) | 16.12.2 |
| Definition of Gambling | Gambling: A person commits the offense of gambling when he makes a bet upon the partial or final result of any game or contest or upon the performance of any participant in such game or contest; makes a bet upon the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or upon the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, or balls. |
| Definition of Bet | Bet: An agreement that, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value. |
| Online Poker/Gambling | With no legal casinos in the state, there has been no interest in attempting to legalize online poker or casino games. |
| Live Poker | There are no live poker rooms in Georgia due to the ban on casinos. |
| Casinos | The state of Georgia passed a law to ban casinos before the federal IGRA law gave Indian tribes the right to offer casino games on their reservations, so no gaming compacts were ever written. |
| Sports Betting | No sports betting proposals have been introduced to Georgia lawmakers. |
| DFS | A House bill to legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports was introduced in 2018 but did not pass. |
| Other Forms of Gambling | Lottery, bingo, charity raffles. |
Georgia & The Game of Poker
Georgia has produced some of the most successful tournament poker players in the US. Josh Arieh, a five-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and 2021 WSOP Player of the Year, was long the state's top earner. But Cary Katz has since overtaken him, amassing over $38 million in live winnings, primarily from high-stakes events after founding Poker Central (now PokerGO).
Other notable pros include Tony Lin, David Bach, and Daniel Weinman, all contributing to Georgia's strong poker pedigree. For more WSOP legends, visit our WSOP page.
Top 10 Georgia Tournament Earners (2025)
- Cary Katz – $38,403,347
- Josh Arieh – $11,276,739
- Tony Lin – $5,747,822
- David Bach – $4,363,216
- George Holmes – $4,350,855
- Daniel Weinman – $3,756,348
- Jason DeWitt – $3,278,022
- William Baxter – $2,738,459
- Jeff Williams – $2,228,800
- John Roveto Sr. – $1,650,793
Responsible Gambling in Georgia
Playing online poker can be a great way to unwind, compete, and enjoy the game. To keep the experience positive, knowing your limits and using the available tools is important. Georgia residents can access free, confidential support through NC Gambler Help, and our Responsible Gambling page offers tips to stay balanced and in control. With the right mindset and resources, poker can remain a fun and rewarding part of your routine.
Georgia Online Poker Summary
If you're in Georgia and looking to play real money online poker, your best bet is using offshore sites that legally accept players from the state. The Peach State doesn't regulate these platforms, but joining them won't break the law. State enforcement focuses on illegal operators, not individual players. We've highlighted trusted sites known for secure banking, mobile-friendly design, and active tournament traffic. This page walks you through everything you need to know to play safely, avoid legal confusion, and pick the poker room that fits your style.
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