Does Atlanta Have Casinos? Here’s How Gambling Really Works Around the City

If you’re wondering “Do Atlanta have casinos?”, the short answer is: no, there are currently no legal, full-scale casinos in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia.

However, there are a few important details, exceptions, and nearby options that Atlanta residents and visitors often want to understand. This guide walks you through what’s allowed, what isn’t, and where people from Atlanta typically go if they want a true casino experience.

Does Atlanta Have Any Casinos at All?

Full casino resorts in Atlanta

Atlanta does not have:

• No slot machine casinos
• No table game casinos (blackjack, roulette, craps, poker rooms, etc.)
• No tribal casinos within city limits or elsewhere in Georgia

Georgia law currently prohibits traditional casino gambling, so you won’t find a Vegas-style or Atlantic City-style casino anywhere in the state, including Metro Atlanta.

Are there “secret” or “underground” casinos?

From time to time, you may hear about unlicensed game rooms or private gambling events. These can:

• Violate state law
• Be shut down without notice
• Involve safety and legal risks

If you’re in Atlanta, it’s important to understand that any unlicensed casino-style operation is likely illegal. When in doubt, assume that a place offering slot-style machines or casino tables for real money play is not operating under Georgia’s gambling laws.

What Types of Gambling Are Legal in Atlanta and Georgia?

Even though Georgia doesn’t allow traditional casinos, a few forms of gambling-related activity are legal under specific rules.

1. Georgia Lottery (including in Atlanta)

The Georgia Lottery is the most visible legal form of gambling in Atlanta. You’ll find tickets sold at:

• Gas stations
• Convenience stores
• Grocery stores
• Some package stores

Common options include:

• Scratch-off tickets
• Draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions
• Other number-based games

These games are regulated at the state level. Winnings may be subject to state and federal taxes above certain amounts.

If you ever need information or have a concern, you can contact:

2. Coin-Operated Amusement Machines (COAMs)

You may notice slot-style machines in some Atlanta-area convenience stores, bars, or restaurants. These are called Coin-Operated Amusement Machines (COAMs).

Key points:

• They can offer gift cards, store credit, or non-cash prizes.
• They cannot legally pay cash winnings like a casino slot machine.
• They must be licensed and regulated by the Georgia Lottery Corporation.

If a place is offering cash payouts from these machines, that is typically not legal under Georgia law. Legitimate COAMs are meant to be amusement devices, not casino-style gambling machines.

3. Charitable Bingo and Raffles

Some nonprofit or charitable organizations in the Atlanta area may operate:

• Bingo games
• Raffles

These are allowed only under specific licensing and regulatory rules, generally overseen by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office and/or local authorities. They differ significantly from commercial casinos because:

• Proceeds are typically directed to charitable or nonprofit purposes.
• Prize structures and frequency are regulated.

For information or questions about charitable gaming in Georgia, you can contact:

(Ask to be directed to the unit that handles charitable gaming, bingo, or raffles.)

4. Social or “Home” Games

Private, low-stakes games among friends sometimes take place in homes around Atlanta—such as poker nights or friendly card games.

Typical considerations:

• Games are generally not supposed to be “house-banked” (meaning no one should be running it as a business or taking a cut).
• All players usually need to have an equal chance of winning.
• Public advertising, large-scale operations, or profiting from hosting can raise legal concerns.

Because the details matter and laws can change, anyone considering organizing regular or higher-stakes games should consult an attorney familiar with Georgia gambling law. This is especially important if money changes hands.

Why Doesn’t Atlanta Have Casinos?

Atlanta does not have casinos because Georgia state law currently bans commercial and tribal casinos.

Efforts to introduce casinos in Georgia have been discussed publicly over the years, including ideas for:

• Casino resorts in or near downtown Atlanta,
• Developments along major highways, or
• Destination-style resorts elsewhere in the state.

However, proposals to change the law have not yet resulted in legalized, operational casinos. Any change would typically require:

• Action by the Georgia General Assembly, and
• Potentially a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment.

For up-to-date legal questions or to understand how gambling laws are enforced around Atlanta, many people look to:

Where Do People From Atlanta Go for Casino Gambling?

Even though there are no casinos in Atlanta, many residents and visitors travel to nearby states where casino gambling is legal. Travel times vary with traffic, but the general options are:

Table: Common Casino Destinations for Atlanta Residents

These destinations change over time as properties open, close, or rebrand, so it’s a good idea to confirm current offerings, ages, and rules before you make a trip.

🚗 Travel tip: Many Atlantans plan casino trips as weekend getaways, combining gambling with:

• Live entertainment
• Restaurants and buffets
• Spa services and golf
• Nearby outdoor attractions

What About “Cruise to Nowhere” or Gambling Boats From Atlanta?

Some coastal states have or have had gambling cruises that sail into international or offshore waters. From Atlanta:

• There are no gambling boats operating directly from the city.
• You would need to drive several hours to a coastal departure point in another state (for example, along the Florida or South Carolina coasts), and even then options may be limited or seasonal.

Because operations like this can start or stop, anyone interested usually checks with local tourism offices in the relevant coastal area rather than within Atlanta itself.

Nightlife Alternatives to Casinos in Atlanta

If you were hoping for a casino as part of a night out in Atlanta, you still have many nightlife options even though casino gambling isn’t available locally.

Popular non-casino nightlife choices around the city include:

• Bars and lounges in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown
• Live music venues, from small clubs to larger theaters and arenas
• Comedy clubs and late-night performance spaces
• Upscale restaurants with bar programs and extended evening hours
• Game-focused bars with pool tables, darts, arcade games, or bowling

Some venues in Atlanta try to offer a “casino night” vibe with:

• Play-money or charity casino events
• Themed parties for holidays or fundraisers

These events do not involve real casino gambling with cash payouts but can deliver a similar social atmosphere.

How to Stay on the Right Side of the Law in Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and want to be sure you’re not accidentally participating in illegal gambling, it helps to keep these basics in mind:

• No real casinos: Any business presenting itself like a full casino in Atlanta is likely not legal.
• Machines that pay cash: Slot-style or video machines in convenience stores and bars should not pay out cash legally.
• Be cautious with “membership” clubs: Some private clubs try to get around restrictions; membership alone doesn’t make something legal.
• Check for licenses: Legitimate lottery retailers and COAM operators are licensed and can usually show documentation.

If you have questions or suspect illegal gambling activity, Georgia residents sometimes contact:

They can direct you to the appropriate unit or agency if enforcement or investigation is needed.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta

• No, Atlanta does not have casinos, and Georgia law currently bans traditional casino gambling.
• You can legally play the Georgia Lottery, participate in regulated charitable bingo or raffles, and use licensed amusement machines that pay non-cash prizes.
• For a true casino experience, most people from Atlanta travel to nearby states like North Carolina or Mississippi.
• Atlanta still offers a wide range of nightlife options—bars, clubs, live music, and themed events—just without legal casino gambling.

Understanding these basics helps you plan your nights out, weekend trips, and entertainment choices in and around Atlanta, Georgia, without running into unwanted legal issues.