Casinos Near Atlanta: Where to Gamble, How Far, and What to Expect

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia or you’re visiting the city and wondering where you can find casinos near Atlanta, the first thing to know is:
there are no full-scale casinos inside the Atlanta city limits or anywhere else in Georgia right now.

However, there are several casino options within a few hours’ drive, plus local alternatives if you’re mainly interested in gaming-style entertainment rather than traditional casino gambling.

This guide walks you through:

• The closest casinos to Atlanta
• Approximate driving distance and what each offers
• Casino bus trips that run from the Atlanta area
• Legal context in Georgia so you know what is and isn’t allowed
• Local lottery and “casino-like” alternatives in and around Atlanta

Are There Casinos in Atlanta, Georgia?

Short answer:
No, there are currently no commercial or tribal casinos in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia.

Georgia law is strict about gambling. As of now:

• Traditional casino gambling (slots, table games, poker rooms) is not legal in the state.
• You will not find a licensed casino in downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown, or any other part of the metro area.
• There are no legal in-state casinos in cities like Savannah, Macon, Augusta, or Columbus either.

What is allowed in Georgia:

• The Georgia Lottery
• Some charitable gaming, such as certain raffles and bingo (with regulations)
• Some local arcades and “coin pushers” that operate under specific rules, but these are not true casinos and usually pay out in non-cash prizes or with heavy restrictions.

Because of these rules, any true casino experience requires traveling to another state.

Closest Full-Service Casinos to Atlanta (Drive-Time Overview)

Here’s a quick look at the nearest major casinos that people from Atlanta commonly visit.

*Features can change; verify current offerings directly with the property before planning a trip.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos in North Carolina

For many people in Atlanta, the Harrah’s Cherokee properties in western North Carolina are the most popular nearby casino destinations, especially if you want full Las Vegas–style gaming.

1. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee, NC)

• Distance from Atlanta: Around 150 miles, typically 3–3.5 hours by car via US-23/US-441 or I-985/US-23 North.
• Location: Cherokee, North Carolina, in the Great Smoky Mountains area.
• Type:Tribal casino resort operated in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

What many Atlanta visitors go for:

• Slot machines and table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps
• A poker room (availability can change; check ahead)
• Multiple restaurants, bars, and a large hotel
• Access to nearby outdoor recreation in the Smokies, which lets you combine a mountain getaway with gaming

This is often the go-to choice if you’re:

• Planning a weekend trip from Atlanta
• Looking for a resort-style stay with casino plus spa, pool, and dining
• Interested in a mix of nature, hiking, and gambling

2. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel (Murphy, NC)

• Distance from Atlanta: About 120–130 miles, generally 2–2.5 hours via I-575/GA-515 north.
• Location: Murphy, North Carolina.
• Type: Smaller tribal casino under the same brand family.

Key points for Atlanta travelers:

• Shorter drive than Cherokee for many parts of metro Atlanta
• More compact than the Cherokee resort but still offers:
  • Hundreds of slot machines
  • A selection of table games
  • On-site hotel and dining
• Often chosen by people who want a quick overnight trip or a faster in-and-out gaming run without a full resort focus.

Wind Creek Casinos in Alabama

If you live on the west or southwest side of metro Atlanta (for example, near Douglasville, Newnan, or LaGrange), the Wind Creek casinos in Alabama can be as convenient as, or even closer than, North Carolina options.

3. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka (Wetumpka, AL)

• Distance from Atlanta: Around 160–180 miles, usually 2.5–3 hours via I-85 West toward Montgomery, then north.
• Location: Near Montgomery, Alabama.

What to expect:

• Large floor of electronic gaming machines
• On-site hotel, restaurants, and bars
• Often used for weekend getaways by people in western and southern Atlanta suburbs.

4. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery (Montgomery, AL)

• Distance from Atlanta: Roughly 160 miles, 2.5–3 hours via I-85 West.
• Location: Montgomery, Alabama.

Similar to Wetumpka, with:

• Focus on Class II electronic games
• On-site lodging and food options
• A bit more of a regional casino feel than a destination resort.

5. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore (Atmore, AL)

• Distance from Atlanta: Around 300 miles, typically 4.5 hours or more by car.
• Location: Atmore, Alabama, closer to the Florida line.

This is more of an extended getaway for Atlantans, offering:

• Larger casino floor with many electronic gaming machines
• Hotel, spa, and entertainment options
• A longer drive, so often combined with trips further south toward the Gulf Coast.

Casino Cruises and Boat Options

For Atlantans willing to drive to the coast, casino cruises offer another form of gambling that’s legal once the ship reaches international waters.

Most commonly, people from Atlanta look at:

• Florida casino cruises (from ports like Jacksonville, Cape Canaveral, or the Tampa area)

Typical pattern:

• Drive from Atlanta to the chosen port (often 5–7 hours, depending on route and port).
• Board a day or evening cruise where the ship sails out, opens the casino at sea, and returns the same day.
• On board you’ll usually find slots, table games, and sometimes poker, along with food and drinks.

This option is more of a special trip rather than a quick night out, and it requires more planning and travel time than simply driving to North Carolina or Alabama.

Organized Casino Bus Trips From Atlanta

Atlanta residents sometimes use organized bus trips to nearby casinos, especially to:

• Harrah’s Cherokee (Cherokee, NC)
• Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River (Murphy, NC)

These bus trips typically:

• Depart from central pickup points around metro Atlanta (often from park-and-ride lots, malls, or community centers)
• Offer same-day or overnight packages
• Sometimes include:
  • Round-trip transportation
  • A gaming credit or voucher
  • Limited food offers or discounts on-site

Key things to know:

• These services are usually run by independent tour operators, not by the City of Atlanta or the State of Georgia.
• Schedules, pickup locations, and prices can change frequently.
• It’s important to confirm details directly with the operator, including departure times, refund policies, and what exactly is included.

If you’re in Atlanta without a car—or if you prefer not to drive mountain roads at night—these bus trips can be a convenient alternative.

Understanding Georgia’s Gambling Laws (Atlanta Context)

If you live in Atlanta, it can be helpful to understand why you need to leave the state for casino gambling.

What’s Legal in Georgia

As of now, within Atlanta and the rest of Georgia:

• Georgia Lottery:
  • Sold throughout Atlanta at convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets, and dedicated lottery retailers.
  • Offers scratch-off tickets and draw games like Cash 3, Cash 4, Mega Millions, and Powerball.
• Charitable gaming:
  • Certain bingo games and raffles run by authorized nonprofits and organizations are permitted under state rules.
• Skill-based amusement games:
  • Some arcade-style machines in game rooms, convenience stores, or family fun centers operate under strict regulations and usually pay out non-cash prizes or gift cards, not unrestricted cash like a casino.

What’s Not Legal in Atlanta (or Anywhere in Georgia)

• No slot machines offering direct cash payouts in a public casino-style environment
• No table game casinos (blackjack, roulette, craps) open to the general public
• No licensed poker rooms operating like you’d see in Las Vegas or Atlantic City
• No tribal casinos currently operating in Georgia

Any full-scale casino you see advertised to Atlanta residents will be across state lines, typically in North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, or on cruise ships.

Casino-Like Alternatives in and Around Atlanta

If your main interest is entertainment, socializing, or casual gaming—but not necessarily traditional casinos—Atlanta does offer several local alternatives.

1. Georgia Lottery & Keno-Style Games

In many Atlanta bars, restaurants, and retailers, you may find:

• Keno-style lottery games or draw games that can be played frequently
• Digital lottery kiosks in some locations

These do not replicate a full casino floor, but they provide a legal way to gamble for money without leaving the city.

2. Arcade and Game Rooms

Around metro Atlanta, especially in suburban areas, you might see:

• Game rooms or coin-operated amusement locations with:
  • Video poker–style screens
  • Reel or wheel-style games
  • Redemption machines offering prizes or gift cards

Important distinctions:

• These are regulated as amusement or skill-based games, not as casinos.
• Prizes are often limited, and operators must follow specific Georgia Lottery and state gaming rules.
• They are not a substitute for a full casino with table games and cash slot payouts, but some locals use them as a low-key, nearby gaming fix.

3. Social Poker and Home Games

In and around Atlanta, some people participate in private poker games or social card nights at home or in private venues.

Things to keep in mind:

• Georgia law can be complex about private games, particularly if there is a house fee, rake, or profit.
• If you consider this route, many people choose to err on the side of caution, keeping games truly social, with no one operating as a for-profit house.

If you’re unsure about the legality of any specific activity, it’s generally wise to consult a qualified Georgia attorney rather than rely on assumptions or informal advice.

Planning a Casino Trip From Atlanta: Practical Tips

When you’re mapping out a visit to a casino near Atlanta, a few practical steps can make the experience smoother:

1. Choose Direction: Mountains or West?

• If you want full table games and a mountain setting, consider:
  • Harrah’s Cherokee (Cherokee, NC)
  • Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River (Murphy, NC)
• If you’re on the west/southwest side of metro Atlanta or prefer electronic gaming:
  • Look at Wind Creek Wetumpka or Wind Creek Montgomery in Alabama.

2. Factor in Drive Time and Roads

• Routes to Cherokee and Murphy include mountain roads, which can:
  • Be winding and slower, especially at night or in poor weather
  • Take longer than the mileage alone might suggest
• Routes to Alabama are largely on interstates and major highways, which some Atlanta drivers find less stressful.

🚗 Tip: Give yourself extra travel time for Friday evenings, holiday weekends, or bad weather, especially in the mountains.

3. Decide on Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay

• Day trip:
  • Possible to Murphy (2–2.5 hours) or Wetumpka/Montgomery (2.5–3 hours) if you leave early.
  • Consider your driving tolerance and how late you want to be on the road after gambling.
• Overnight or weekend:
  • Often more comfortable, with time for:
    • Dining
    • Entertainment or local sightseeing
    • Rest before driving back to Atlanta

4. Check Property Details in Advance

Before you leave Atlanta, it’s a good idea to:

• Confirm:
  • Current gaming options (slots, tables, poker)
  • Hotel availability and rates
  • Smoking policies on the gaming floor
  • Dining hours, especially if arriving late
• Verify:
  • Any ID requirements
  • Age restrictions (usually 21+ for casino gaming)

Policies can change, so checking the casino’s official information before you go can prevent surprises.

Responsible Gambling Considerations for Atlantans

If you’re traveling from Atlanta to gamble:

• Set a clear budget for your trip (including gas, lodging, food, and play money).
• Decide in advance how much you’re willing to lose without stress, and stick to that amount.
• Avoid chasing losses or using money needed for bills, rent, or essentials.
• Consider going with friends or family who can help each other stay within limits.

If you or someone you know in Atlanta is worried about gambling habits:

• The Georgia Council on Problem Gambling and other support resources provide confidential help, including phone support and referrals.
• You can also talk to a licensed mental health professional who is familiar with addiction and behavioral health.

Key Takeaways for People in Atlanta

• No casinos currently operate in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia.
• The closest full-service casinos for Atlantans are:
  • Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee, NC) – about 3–3.5 hours
  • Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River (Murphy, NC) – about 2–2.5 hours
  • Wind Creek Wetumpka and Wind Creek Montgomery (AL) – about 2.5–3 hours
• You can also consider longer trips to:
  • Wind Creek Atmore (AL)
  • Casino cruises departing from Florida ports
• Around Atlanta itself, your legal options are mostly:
  • Georgia Lottery games
  • Charitable bingo and raffles
  • Skill-based amusement games and arcades, not true casinos
• Always verify current details with any casino or tour operator before traveling, and keep responsible gambling practices in mind.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, enjoying a casino experience means planning a short road trip out of state—but you have several realistic options within a few hours’ drive.