Casinos in Georgia – Allowed Gambling Activities
Georgia is a state in the southeastern United States, known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture. Although the state does not have any legal casinos, there are some available gambling options. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the casinos in Georgia, the allowed gambling activities in the state, and the places worth visiting.
The gambling laws in the state of Georgia are relatively strict, but still, locals and visitors can find some places to enjoy their hobby. The most common of them is the popular riverboat casino in Georgia, which every bettor would appreciate. In addition, there is a variety of lottery games, including scratch-offs and multi-state lotteries. Another limited form of gambling in Georgia is the so-called “Charitable Gaming”, which includes bingo, raffles, and other games of chance, conducted by non-profit organizations.
Gambling Laws in Georgia
Georgia is one of the US states that have been very restrictive on gambling activities. Unfortunately, as of now, gambling is illegal there, and despite some efforts to change this, there are no land-based casinos that offer table games or slot machines across the state. Our dedicated page has detailed information on the Georgia gambling laws and legal activities there.
However, there are still some options for those looking for an exciting gambling experience. One of them is the video poker machines found in licensed establishments such as truck stops, convenience stores, and bars. Yet, the most common gambling place in the state is the Emerald Princess Casino, which is situated offshore and accepts residents and visitors to Georgia.
Riverboat Casino in Georgia
Since casinos in Atlanta, Georgia, are illegal, there is only one offshore casino which bettors can visit. This is the magnificent cruise ship casino Emerald Princess Brunswick, which offers a wide range of slots, as well as table games. Among these are roulette, blackjack, poker, dice, and bingo.
In the table below, we outlined the most important facts you need to know before visiting the popular Emerald Princess Brunswick Casino in Atlanta, Georgia. It includes the address, opening hours, selection of games, dining & accommodation, as well as the ways you can make a reservation.
| 📛 Name | Emerald Princess Casino |
|---|---|
| 📆 Founded | June 1, 2006 |
| 🕛 Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| 🃏 Games | Roulette, Slots, Blackjack, EP Stud Poker, Video Poker, Craps, Triple Time, Texas Hold’em, Big 20 Bonus, Bingo |
| ☑️ Gambling age limit | 21 |
| 🍹 Amenities | Bistro deck, bars, and events |
| 📶 Extras | Thirsty Thursdays, Frozen Fridays, Friday Date Night, etc. |
| 🏢 Hotels | Available “Stay N’ Play” program |
| 📍 Dock address | Emerald Princess Drive, Brunswick, GA |
| ☎️ Telephone | +1. 912.265.3558 / +1. 800.842.0115 |
| reservations@emeraldprincess.com |
Emerald Princess Brunswick was founded on June 1, 2006. The casino offers a great selection of casino games, such as slot machines, roulette tables, craps, live blackjack, and a variety of poker games. In addition, visitors to the gambling place can play Bingo and lottery games. Reservations at Emerald Princess Brunswick can be submitted online or via phone, and the ticket price includes a scenic cruise, dining, casino gaming, and parking.
As gambling in the state of Georgia is illegal, the riverboat casino cruises are the perfect option for any passionate gambler. This type of gambling offers the locals and the state visitors almost everything the land-based casinos provide, with the only difference being that they are located offshore.
Info for the Players – Legal Age and Taxation of Winnings
Players at Emerald Princess Brunswick must be at least 21 years old to enter the casino or consume alcohol at the premises. Additionally, they should present their personal ID card to be allowed to gamble. Besides, due to Coast Guard regulations, the staff of Emerald Princess Brunswick is required to have all names and phone numbers of passengers. For that reason, reservations can make the check-in process faster.
The taxation of winnings at the offshore casino is mandatory. If you make any winnings on the cruise ship, the money will be considered taxable and must be reported to the IRS. In this case, you will pay a tax of 24% on anything won over the threshold for the particular game ($1200 for slots) or 300x the initial bet or more. No state tax is paid, though. If you win $5,000 or more in the lottery, you’ll need to pay a state income tax and a federal tax on your win.
Dresscode
Since the Emerald Princess casino is located on a cruise ship, the dress code on its territory is casual. For your safety, the ship’s crew advises players during their stay on board to refrain from wearing high heels, tank tops, bikini tops, flip-flips, cut-off shorts, beachwear, or open-toed shoes. This means that you can visit the offshore casino in your everyday outfit, feeling comfortable while gambling, dining, or dancing there.
Accomodation & Events in Georgia
Depending on your preferences, Georgia offers a great variety of hotels where you can enjoy your stay. In case you are a player at the Emerald Princess Brunswick casino, you can take advantage of the casino’s “Stay N’ Play” program with several local hotels and resorts, which offer a special discount. Additionally, If you book a Stay N’ Play Package with a hotel, you can get a cruise for free. The casino’s lodging partners are listed on its website.
Alongside the exciting gambling experience, the Emerald Princess casino has an array of extras for its customers. While on the cruise ship, you can make the most of your stay, enjoying various events held at the casino’s premises. The events include live DJs, date nights, drink specials, Bonanza Bingo, and more, at the luxury Calypso Bar&Club on board.
Attractions in Georgia
Apart from offshore gambling, Georgia has a lot of other tourist attractions to offer. Among these, you can see historical sites, natural wonders, and interesting urban destinations. Any of them offers plenty of outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and lots of fun. The most popular attractions to visit are listed below.
- 🌆 Savannah Historic District
- ⛰️ Stone Mountain Park
- 🏝️ Jekyll Island
- ⛬ Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
- 🚵 Caucasus Mountains
- 🐟 Georgia Aquarium
The Savannah Historic District is only a glimpse into Georgia’s rich history. The district is full of historic homes, cobblestone streets, and beautiful squares. Another place to visit is Stone Mountain Park, located just outside Atlanta. The park features a massive granite mountain that visitors can hike to the top of, as well as a variety of other outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and golfing.
Outdoor lovers would also enjoy the magnificent Jekyll Island – a beautiful barrier island off the coast of Georgia, known for its stunning beaches and landmarks. In addition, you can explore the island’s beauty or visit the historic hotel Jekyll Island Club, where you can spend the night.
Another worth-visiting place in Georgia is the Caucasus Mountains, located in the famous Kazbegi region. The stunning mountains are very popular for outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Besides, the place has turned into an attractive tourist destination, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.
When in Atlanta, Georgia, one will never get bored. You can stop by the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of the world-famous doctor. The King’s house tour will tell you the story of his childhood, work, and lifestyle. Another great place to check in is the Georgia Aquarium. It is one of the largest aquariums in the world, housing thousands of species of marine life.
Anyway, if you are still looking for some gambling action, you can check out the available options in the neighboring states. You can also read our article about the top 10 US casino resorts and see the best options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although we gave you lots of detailed information in this article, there are some answers you still may need. No matter if you ask are the casinos legal in the state, or if you look for casinos in Georgia with slot machines, you will find all the answers you need in our FAQ section below.
Are casinos legal in Georgia?
Although casinos in Georgia are illegal, there are some gambling activities you can practice in the state. These include lottery games like scratch-offs and multi-state games. Another form of gambling in the state is the so-called “Charitable Gaming”, such as bingo, raffles, and other games of chance, organized by non-profit organizations.
What are the gambling laws in Georgia?
Thegambling laws in Georgia are relatively strict, however, there are some options for such an experience. Among these are the video poker machines located in licensed establishments such as truck stops, convenience stores, and bars. Yet, the most popular gambling place in the state is the offshore casino - Emerald Princess Brunswick.
Are there casinos in Georgia?
There are no land-based casinos in the US state, though there is an amazing riverboat casino, where you can make the most of your stay. The cruise ship casino Emerald Princess Brunswick offers a great selection of slots, as well as table games. These include roulette, blackjack, poker, dice, and bingo.
Are there good places to stay in Georgia?
Georgia offers some great places to stay. If you are looking for a nice hotel after an exciting gambling night, the "Stay N' Play" program of Emerald Princess casino will help you to find a nice hotel with a special discount for gamblers. The full list of the casino’s lodging partners is published on its website.
Are there any other attractions in Georgia?
The picturesque US state offers visitors lots of attractions. Alongside offshore gambling, you can visit many interesting places, including natural wonders, historic sites, and urban destinations. Some of the most famous attractions around the state are Stone Mountain Park, Jekyll Island, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, the Georgia Aquarium, and many more.
