FanDuel in Georgia: Can You Bet Legally?

Georgia, home of the Bulldogs, the Braves, and a sports culture that runs as deep as the Chattahoochee River, is a state that lives and breathes athletic rivalry. Whether it’s the electric roar of 71,000 fans at Athens' Sanford Stadium or the unified chant of “Go Braves!” at Truist Park, the Peach State takes its sports seriously. But when it comes to betting on those sports, Georgians find themselves in a game with no clear rules—or at least, none that favor legal wagers.

The Current Legal Status

As of late 2024, sports betting remains a no-go in Georgia, despite several attempts to bring it into the fold of legality. Bills like SR 579 and SB 386 aimed to lay the groundwork for regulated sports betting, but much like a Falcons lead in the fourth quarter, the efforts fell apart at a critical moment. Though these proposals passed the Senate, they hit a wall in the House. The result? Legal sports betting in Georgia is now punted to at least 2025.

For Georgians, this legal limbo is as frustrating as missing out on SEC Championship tickets. Betting apps like FanDuel, which have transformed the way sports enthusiasts engage with their favorite teams nationwide, remain unavailable for sportsbook betting in the state. Still, hope isn’t entirely lost—like a close game in the ninth inning, there’s always the chance of a comeback.

FanDuel's Play in Georgia

While FanDuel's sportsbook services are benched in Georgia, its daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform remains a key player. If you’re one of the countless Georgians who pick a DFS lineup every Sunday, you’re in luck: FanDuel and competitors like DraftKings operate in what might best be described as Georgia’s “friendly neutral zone.” No major legal hurdles stand in the way—for now. So, while you can’t put money on the Hawks covering the spread, you can still flex your sports knowledge in fantasy leagues.

Why the Resistance?

Georgia’s resistance to legal sports betting might feel as inexplicable as Georgia Tech letting the clock run out with timeouts in hand. At the heart of the issue are debates over how tax revenue from betting would be spent. Many legislators want any potential funds to benefit programs like the HOPE Scholarship and pre-K education, but others argue for broader applications, such as general financial aid for college students. Without bipartisan agreement, the House refused to put the issue to a vote this year, leaving fans—and the budgetary benefits of sports betting—on the sidelines.

Neighboring States: A Tale of Temptation

It doesn’t help that states like Tennessee have legalized online sports betting, creating a tempting opportunity for Georgians willing to make a short drive across the state line. For die-hard fans who can’t legally bet on the Dawgs’ next game, crossing into Tennessee has become the sports equivalent of bootlegging moonshine back in the day: a legal workaround that highlights Georgia’s prohibition-era stance.

Looking Ahead

As Georgia remains on the bench, the debate about sports betting continues to swirl like the autumn leaves in Piedmont Park. Proponents argue that legalizing betting could generate millions in tax revenue, regulate the shadowy world of illegal betting, and enhance fan engagement. Opponents, however, warn of gambling addiction and question whether the potential revenue justifies the risks.

For now, Georgia sports fans will have to keep their bets verbal and their wallets closed—at least on a legal platform. But if there’s one thing Georgia knows, it’s perseverance. Whether it’s a nail-biting college football game or a Braves World Series run, the state knows how to play the long game. Maybe, just maybe, the legislature will too.