Is Gambling Legal in Atlanta? What Residents and Visitors Need to Know

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and wondering “Is gambling legal here?”, the answer is: it depends on the type of gambling.

Georgia has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country, and those laws apply fully in Atlanta and the rest of Fulton County. However, there are a few important exceptions that are legal and widely used.

Below is a clear breakdown of what is and is not allowed in Atlanta, plus where people commonly go if they want a true casino experience.

Is Gambling Legal in Atlanta at All?

In Atlanta, most traditional forms of gambling are illegal, including:

• Casino-style gambling (slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, etc.)
• Sports betting (online or in person)
• Most online gambling sites and apps involving real money
• Unlicensed poker rooms and private betting operations

However, some narrowly defined forms of gambling are legal:

• Georgia Lottery games
• Charitable bingo and raffles (with proper licenses)
• Skill-based amusement machines (with restrictions)
• Social gambling in limited, specific circumstances

Understanding these categories will help you avoid unintentionally breaking the law while you’re in Atlanta.

Types of Gambling and Their Legal Status in Atlanta

Quick Legal Overview

Below is a simple summary of what’s legal and illegal for gambling in Atlanta under Georgia law:

Casino Gambling in Atlanta

Are there any casinos in Atlanta?

No. There are no legal casinos in Atlanta and, as of the latest statewide rules, no casinos anywhere in Georgia.

That means:

• No slot machine floors
• No blackjack, roulette, craps, or baccarat tables
• No state-approved casino resorts inside city limits or nearby

Occasionally you may hear about proposals for a “destination casino” in or near Atlanta, but those have not become law. Unless the Georgia General Assembly passes new legislation and it’s approved by voters, this will not change.

What about casino nights or casino fundraisers?

Some organizations in Atlanta host “casino nights” as entertainment events. These are heavily restricted:

• They must usually be non-cash, entertainment-only events.
• Winnings cannot be directly converted into cash as real gambling.
• If money is being collected and prizes are awarded, charitable gaming rules may apply.

If you’re planning such an event in Atlanta, it’s important to confirm compliance with Georgia gambling laws and any local Fulton County or City of Atlanta rules.

Sports Betting in Atlanta

Can you legally bet on sports in Atlanta?

No. As of the most recent rules, sports betting is not legal in Georgia, including:

• Betting with a bookmaker or sportsbook
• Using online sports betting apps for real-money wagers
• Placing bets on college or professional teams from your phone or computer inside Atlanta

It does not matter if the app is licensed in another state; if you are physically located in Atlanta, Georgia, you are not legally allowed to place sports bets.

Online Gambling in Atlanta

Are online casinos and poker sites legal?

No. Georgia law does not authorize:

• Online slots or online casino games for real money
• Online poker rooms for real money play
• Online bingo for cash (outside of clearly authorized lottery-style platforms)

If a website or app claims you can gamble for real money “from anywhere,” that does not make it legal in Georgia. In many cases, these sites operate without Georgia oversight or protection for Atlanta residents.

What about “social casinos” and free-play apps?

Many Atlantans use:

• Free-play casino apps that use virtual coins and do not pay out real money.
• “Social casino” platforms that simulate gambling but only offer digital rewards.

These are typically legal as long as:

• No real money is wagered and
• You cannot convert winnings back into cash or items of value.

If an app allows you to buy credits, but never cash them out, it may be treated more like entertainment than gambling. Still, always review the terms carefully.

Georgia Lottery: The Main Legal Gambling Option in Atlanta

What lottery games are legal?

The Georgia Lottery is the most widely used legal gambling option in Atlanta. You can legally play:

• Scratch-off tickets
• Draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Cash 3/Cash 4
• Keno-style and other specialty games approved by the Georgia Lottery

You must be 18 or older to play.

Where can you buy lottery tickets in Atlanta?

Lottery tickets are sold at many everyday locations, such as:

• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Some standalone lottery retailers

You’ll see “Georgia Lottery” signage outside most authorized sellers across Atlanta neighborhoods, from Downtown and Midtown to Buckhead, Decatur, and the Westside.

Georgia Lottery offices near Atlanta

For prize claims and official questions, many Atlanta residents use the Georgia Lottery District Office in or near the metro area. Office locations and hours can change, so it’s best to verify:

• Address
• Hours of operation
• Claim procedures (especially for large prizes)

You can also contact the Georgia Lottery Corporation headquarters in Atlanta by mail or phone for current instructions and claim rules.

Charitable Gambling: Bingo and Raffles

Is bingo legal in Atlanta?

Yes, but only under specific conditions.

Charitable bingo is allowed in Georgia, including in Atlanta, if:

• It is conducted by an eligible nonprofit organization
• The nonprofit holds a valid bingo license from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) – Commercial Gambling Unit
• All games comply with state rules on prize limits, recordkeeping, and use of proceeds

Many churches, civic organizations, and charitable groups in the Atlanta area operate bingo games under these rules.

Are raffles legal?

Yes, charitable raffles can be legal if:

• The raffle is conducted by a qualified nonprofit or tax-exempt organization
• The organization obtains a raffle license when required
• All proceeds are used for approved purposes (such as the organization’s charitable work)
• Prize values and other conditions meet Georgia’s regulations

Where to check licensing rules

To confirm whether a bingo hall or raffle is operating legally, or to apply for a license, organizations can contact the:

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) – Commercial Gambling Unit
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Main phone (GBI HQ): typically listed publicly; check current directories for the latest number.

The GBI provides licensing forms, rules, and enforcement for charitable gaming throughout the Atlanta area.

Skill-Based Amusement Machines in Atlanta

What are these machines?

You’ll often see coin-operated amusement machines in Atlanta locations such as:

• Gas stations
• Convenience stores
• Small game rooms or truck stops

Some look similar to slot machines but are classified differently under Georgia law.

These are “Class B” coin-operated amusement machines regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation. They must:

• Involve at least some element of skill (not purely random chance)
• Provide non-cash rewards, such as:
  • Store merchandise
  • Fuel discounts
  • Lottery tickets or credits
• Not pay out cash directly to players

If a machine is paying cash or appears to be run like a mini-casino, it may be operating illegally.

Social Gambling and Home Poker Games

Can you host a poker game at home in Atlanta?

Georgia law does not clearly authorize home poker games in the way some states do. In general:

• It is illegal to keep a gambling place or operate an unlicensed gambling business.
• It is also illegal to profit as the “house” from games of chance.

A small, private game among friends, where:

• No one profits as the organizer
• No fee or rake is taken
• The host does not benefit beyond participating as a player

is often considered less likely to be prosecuted, but it is still a gray area under Georgia’s strict laws. Anyone running regular or large-scale games in Atlanta, charging entry fees, or taking a house cut is at higher legal risk.

If you are unsure whether a planned activity might violate Georgia gambling laws, it may be helpful to seek legal guidance from a qualified attorney familiar with Georgia criminal and gaming law.

Gambling Cruises and Out-of-State Casinos

Why do some Atlantans go on “casino cruises”?

Since casino gambling is not allowed on Georgia land, some people in the Atlanta area look to:

• Casino cruises that operate in international waters
• Out-of-state casinos in neighboring states

For example, Atlantans commonly travel to:

• Alabama, North Carolina, or Mississippi where tribal or commercial casinos operate legally.
• Coastal or regional casino destinations reachable by car or short trip.

While this does not make casino gambling legal in Atlanta, it explains how some residents still access those games.

If you choose to travel:

• Your activity is governed by the laws of the state or jurisdiction where the casino operates.
• Once you return to Atlanta, Georgia law applies again.

Who Regulates Gambling-Related Activities in the Atlanta Area?

Several state-level agencies oversee different parts of gambling and gambling enforcement affecting Atlanta residents:

Georgia Lottery Corporation

Handles:

• Lottery games
• Regulation of coin-operated amusement machines tied to lottery credits
• Retailer licensing and prize payments

Headquartered in Atlanta, the Lottery Corporation is the primary point of contact for authorized lottery play and machine regulation.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) – Commercial Gambling Unit

Handles:

• Investigation of illegal gambling operations
• Licensing and oversight of charitable bingo and raffles
• Enforcement actions against unlicensed or unlawful gambling businesses

The Commercial Gambling Unit is based in Decatur, serving the entire state, including the City of Atlanta.

Local Law Enforcement

Within Atlanta, agencies such as:

• Atlanta Police Department
• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office

may respond to suspected illegal gambling locations, underground game rooms, or unlicensed operations and often coordinate with the GBI.

If You Live in or Visit Atlanta: Practical Takeaways

Here’s what matters most if you’re trying to stay on the right side of the law in Atlanta:

• ✅ Legal in Atlanta

  • Buying and playing Georgia Lottery games (18+)
  • Participating in licensed charitable bingo and raffles
  • Playing on regulated amusement machines that pay only non-cash prizes
  • Using free-play casino-style apps with no real-money payouts

• ❌ Not legal in Atlanta

  • Operating or playing at casinos or casino-style game rooms
  • Placing sports bets, including via out-of-state betting apps while in Georgia
  • Playing on online casinos or online poker sites for real money
  • Running unlicensed poker rooms or taking a cut as the “house”

If you’re ever unsure whether a particular gambling activity is legal in Atlanta, you can:

• Check information from the Georgia Lottery Corporation for anything involving lottery or amusement machines.
• Contact the GBI Commercial Gambling Unit for questions about charitable gaming or suspected illegal operations.
• Consult a Georgia-licensed attorney for personalized legal advice before organizing any gambling-related event or business.

By understanding how Georgia’s laws apply specifically to Atlanta, you can enjoy the legal options available—mainly the lottery and properly licensed charitable games—while avoiding activities that could lead to fines or criminal charges.