Georgia Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Options, and What’s Next

Georgia does not currently offer regulated real‑money online poker, and the state has one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the United States. While Georgia has a state lottery, most other forms of gambling — including casinos and online casino gaming — remain prohibited under state law.

Because regulated online poker is not legal, players in Georgia cannot access licensed platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker. Instead, those looking to play online typically turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms or free‑play poker apps, which operate under different legal frameworks.

Efforts to expand gambling in Georgia have historically focused on sports betting or constitutional amendments for land‑based casinos, rather than online casino gaming. State-regulated online poker in the US is usually treated as a casino game and implemented through regulation. However, Georgia has not yet taken steps toward legalizing online casinos, making regulated online poker unlikely in the near term.

This guide explains the current legal status of online poker in Georgia, the sweepstakes options available today, and what would need to change for a regulated market to emerge.

Is Online Poker Legal in Georgia?

Online poker is not legal or regulated in Georgia. The state does not license real‑money online poker sites, and players cannot legally deposit and withdraw funds on platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Georgia has one of the most restrictive gambling frameworks in the United States. The state lottery is permitted under the Georgia Constitution, but most other forms of gambling — including casinos and online casino gaming — are prohibited unless approved through a constitutional amendment.

Because online poker is typically regulated as part of an online casino framework in US iGaming states, Georgia would first need to legalize online casino gaming before online poker could be authorized. At this time, there is no active regulatory structure for online casinos or online poker in the Peach State.

Until Georgia changes its gambling laws, regulated real‑money online poker remains unavailable.

Sweepstakes Online Poker in Georgia

While Georgia does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are legally accessible to players in the state. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations and offer a way to play online poker for prizes that can be redeemed for cash.

Sweepstakes poker platforms use a dual‑currency system. Players purchase Gold Coins for social and free‑play poker games, which have no cash value. When Gold Coins are purchased, players typically receive Sweepstakes Coins as a reward. Sweepstakes Coins can be used in eligible poker games and may be redeemed for real‑money prizes, subject to each platform’s terms and verification process.

Because sweepstakes poker is structured as a promotional model rather than traditional gambling, it is available in restrictive states like Georgia where online casinos and regulated online poker are not permitted.

It’s important to understand that sweepstakes poker sites are not regulated by any Georgia gaming authority. Game formats, liquidity, prize redemption rules, and player protections differ from those found in regulated online poker markets.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Georgia

Because Georgia does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are currently the primary way players in the state can play online poker for cash‑equivalent prizes. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations and are legally accessible in Georgia.

Below are informational profiles of sweepstakes poker platforms available to Georgia players. These are not rankings. For a broader explanation of how this model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a sweepstakes‑based online poker platform designed to resemble a traditional online poker room. Players purchase Gold Coins (free‑play coins) and typically receive Sweepstakes Coins as a reward. Sweepstakes Coins can be used in eligible poker games and redeemed for cash prizes, subject to verification.

The platform focuses primarily on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em and offers both cash‑game‑style tables and tournament formats. Learn more in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest‑running sweepstakes poker platforms in the US and is available to players in Georgia. It uses a dual‑currency system separating Gold Coins for social play from Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for prizes.

Global Poker offers ring games, sit‑and‑go tournaments, and multi‑table tournaments with relatively strong liquidity compared to many sweepstakes competitors. See our Global Poker review for more details.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform operated by the World Poker Tour brand. It combines elements of subscription poker with sweepstakes‑style prize redemptions and focuses on tournament‑friendly No‑Limit Texas Hold’em action.

Players purchase Gold Coins and can enter games that award prizes redeemable for cash. Read more in our ClubWPT Gold review.

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us operates as a sweepstakes casino platform that includes poker alongside other casino‑style games. Players purchase Gold Coins and typically receive Sweepstakes Coins, which can be used in eligible games and redeemed for cash prizes.

Poker is a smaller part of the overall offering compared to dedicated sweepstakes poker platforms, but it may appeal to players who want a broader social casino experience. For more information, see our Stake.us review.

Free‑Play Poker in Georgia

Georgia players can also play online poker for free through a variety of free‑play and social poker platforms. These sites do not involve real‑money wagering and are designed for entertainment and practice rather than cash prizes.

Popular free‑play poker options include Zynga Poker, Replay Poker, Governor of Poker, and Poker Patio. Free poker games are also available on social media platforms, and many well‑known poker brands offer free‑to‑play versions of their games.

Because there is no real money at stake, free‑play poker is best suited for new players who want to learn hand rankings, betting mechanics, and overall game flow without financial risk. However, gameplay on free‑play sites does not fully reflect real‑money poker strategy, since players are not risking their own funds.

Free‑play poker is legal and widely accessible in Georgia, but players looking for cash‑equivalent prizes typically turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms instead.

What’s Next for Online Poker in Georgia?

Georgia has historically maintained one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the United States. Expanding gambling beyond the state lottery typically requires a constitutional amendment, which must pass both the legislature and a statewide voter referendum.

Recent gambling discussions in Georgia have focused primarily on sports betting or land‑based casino proposals rather than online casino gaming. Because online poker is usually regulated as part of an online casino framework in US iGaming states, Georgia would first need to legalize online casinos before online poker could be considered.

At this time, there is no active legislative pathway for online casino gaming in Georgia, making regulated online poker unlikely in the near term. Even if lawmakers were to pursue expansion, the constitutional amendment process would likely delay implementation for several years.

For now, Georgia players remain limited to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play poker options.

Georgia Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Georgia?

No. Georgia does not regulate real‑money online poker. Players cannot legally play on licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Can you play online poker for money in Georgia?

Georgia players cannot access regulated real‑money poker sites. However, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are legally accessible and allow players to redeem prizes for cash under sweepstakes rules.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in Georgia?

Yes. Sweepstakes poker sites operate under US sweepstakes law and are legally available in Georgia. These platforms are not regulated by any Georgia gaming authority and use a dual‑currency system.

Does Georgia have any regulated online gambling?

Georgia operates a state lottery, but most other forms of gambling — including casinos and online casino gaming — are not legal. Online sports betting has also not been legalized.

Will Georgia legalize online poker?

Any expansion of gambling in Georgia would likely require a constitutional amendment and voter approval. Because online poker is typically regulated as part of an online casino framework, Georgia would first need to legalize online casino gaming before poker could be considered.

When could online poker launch in Georgia?

There is no clear timeline. Even if lawmakers pursued gambling expansion, the constitutional amendment process would likely delay implementation for several years.

Can I play PokerStars or WSOP Online in Georgia?

No. PokerStars and WSOP Online only operate in states where online poker is legal and regulated. Neither platform is currently available in Georgia.

Are offshore online poker sites legal in Georgia?

Some offshore poker sites accept players from Georgia, but Pokerfuse does not recommend using them. These sites are not regulated by US authorities and offer limited consumer protections compared to legal alternatives.