Legal Poker For Georgia Residents
Poker is a game that has been enjoyed for generations. From groups of friends hitting up the local casino for a night out playing cards to casual games hosted in dining rooms across the country, countless individuals have enjoyed the many sides of poker since the card game was first invented. Since the advent of the Internet, it has become easier than ever to play your favorite poker games whenever you want, so long as you have a connection to the World Wide Web.
But it is true that the legality of some poker games is questionable. You see, every state has set up its own regulations regarding real money gambling. Poker is a favorite pastime for countless individuals, but it can become a legal issue if you play for money in certain instances. Throughout the following article we will take a closer look at the regulations that the state of Georgia, specifically, has put into place in order to help you make educated decisions about your poker activity.
Georgia Poker Laws & Statutes
Georgia is one of the most restrictive states in the country with regard to its gambling regulations. Because the state offers absolutely no regulated tribal or commercial gambling opportunities, the land-based poker games that are held within its borders are highly limited. In fact, the only land-based poker games that are allowed by the law are those conducted within club-based leagues. These leagues do not charge entry fees to the players who wish to engage in the game, so it is able to step around the legal issue that its activity presents by not requiring players to risk their money (with is, for all intents and purposes, one of the fundamental aspects of the definition of gambling). Despite this, players can still win cash prizes, allowing them to enjoy the full poker experience without having to lose their own cash.
The other side of the coin in terms of poker activity is Internet-based gambling. The legality of online poker games is a bit more complex, as there are no specific laws that speak to Internet-based activity with this regard.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Georgia?
Previously, we discussed the fact that the law regarding Internet-based poker is a bit murky in this state—and this is a fact that has caused many officials and players to wonder just what is and is not permissible under the legal code with regard to online poker activity. Certainly, though, the state of Georgia itself has not made any moves to regulate online poker games or to offer a regulated form of Internet-based tournaments.
Despite this, countless players from Georgia engage in online poker games each and every day due to the fact that this activity is not specifically outlawed by the legal code. You see, the area of online gambling is relatively new, legally speaking. As such, most of the states—including Georgia—have not yet updated their regulations to reflect online activity. For this reason, many players feel comfortable turning to the World Wide Web to play poker instead of attending the aforementioned clubs, as they can do so on their own time and at their own convenience.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Georgia?
Online poker activity is something that many players in Georgia are comfortable engaging in because they feel safe doing so. While it is true that law enforcement professionals in Georgia have worked to bust online gambling cafes, as they are called, it is also true that the level of your safety can be increased by simply choosing a trusted, reliable website on which to play the game. Websites that operate legally from other countries, such as Canada, are wonderful options because they allow you to join a community that is run in accordance with local laws.
If you are looking for a new way to play poker, online options are a great choice in Georgia. The state has not made any public announcements regarding efforts to limit Internet-based poker activity and, if you choose the right site, you can have a wonderful time engaging in your favorite games.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Georgia Players
In a state with as limited gambling options as there are in Georgia, it’s all the more crucial that Georgia residents find legal and credible online poker rooms to fulfill all their poker needs. Luckily, the list below should provide just such a service for any Georgia residents hoping to try their luck at the poker tables.
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Georgia
Legal poker sites accepting Georgia residents may be a broad category, but if a player is looking for the best, there is really only one. The Bovada online poker room stands head and shoulders above all others, and a big reason is their longevity. Bovada has been serving US citizens for over 20 years, and in that span of time they have learned the value of hanging on to a good customer, and they have learned that the only way to do that is through a long and solid track record of treating all their clients with respect, and most of all, respecting the money that the clients put in.
In an effort to show the utmost respect for their new customer’s money, the Bovada legal poker site goes so far as to give it all back. All new customers who open an account are fully eligible to receive 100% of their first deposit back. Through this promotion, Georgia poker players can earn up to $1000 in free money to use in the Bovada poker room simply by ensuring their account remains active and plays in poker games. How many businesses offer free money simply for using their product? Counting Bovada, there’s at least one.
BetOnline Poker - All Georgia Players 18+ Welcome Here
For Georgia residents who want to ensure that they have the lion’s share of the power when it comes to how they play poker, they would be well served to check in on one of the fastest growing legal online poker rooms in the world at BetOnline. Join the hundreds of thousands of US residents all across the country who are learning one simple fact: when you play poker at BetOnline, the player is king by a wide margin.
Using this legal poker site, players have the power to enter any sort of tournament they like. Whether it’s a small stakes recreational tournament with a $2 entry fee or a high stakes, all day tournament for a huge payout or anything in between, BetOnline has it covered. Upon creating an account, check with BetOnline poker weekly for the most comprehensive list of tournaments available, even offering specials around events like Valentine’s Day or even Thanksgiving. With BetOnline, there is truly poker for all seasons.
| Legal Georgia Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo |  |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |  |
Does Georgia Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
As we have mentioned, the only legal poker options that are open to players in the state of Georgia, on a land-based basis, are those offered by clubs. Club-hosted poker tournaments are common across the state and they have found a loophole in the law by not requiring players to put up an entry fee to participate. While the restricted number of land-based opportunities can prove exceptionally inconvenient to players who are looking to engage in a tournament but don't have a local club, individuals who can take advantage of this unique poker experience actually enjoy it because they are able to play the game without having to risk their own money.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Georgia Players
In terms of land-based poker options, Georgia players are limited to clubs that offer tournaments. As we have mentioned, these clubs actually don't charge an entry fee for players, as this is how they are able to get around the state's gambling laws and operate in accordance with its regulations.
Regarding online options, it is important that you pick a high quality, stable, and trusted website when choosing where to play poker. Seeking recommendations from trusted sources, including experienced players, is a great way to narrow down your options and, ultimately, choose a website that will allow you to have the best experience possible.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Georgia
Currently, the future of poker in this state is unknown. While officials have made efforts to stop online gambling cafes, they have not made any public actions that would indicate that they are trying to limit online poker activity. If you are looking to participate in a poker tournament, the land-based clubs in this state are a fantastic option; however, if you want an Internet-based experience that allows you to play the games you want when you want, it is important to turn only to trusted websites.
