Georgia Casinos: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaming in the Peach State
Georgia's casino scene is rapidly expanding, offering a wide range of gaming options for both locals and tourists alike. From the bustling casinos in Atlanta to the charming riverboats on the Chattahoochee River, there's something for everyone in the Peach State.
About Georgia Casinos
Georgia has 12 casinos in operation, including six land-based casinos and six riverboat casinos. The casinos offer a variety of games, including slots, table games, and poker. The Georgia Lottery Corporation regulates all gambling in the state.
History of Gambling in Georgia
Gambling has a long history in Georgia. The first casino in the state opened in 1993, and the industry has grown steadily since then. In 2009, the state legalized riverboat casinos, and the first one opened in 2012.
Economic Impact of Casinos
Casinos have a significant economic impact on Georgia. The industry generates billions of dollars in revenue and creates thousands of jobs. In 2019, casinos in Georgia generated $2.6 billion in revenue and employed 15,000 people.
Casino Locations
Casinos in Georgia are located in various cities and counties throughout the state.
Land-Based Casinos:
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Atlanta: Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, MGM Grand Atlanta Casino, WynnBET Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino Hotel Atlanta
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Columbus: Rivers Casino & Resort
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Gwinnett County: Bally's Atlanta
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Macon: BetMGM Sportsbook at Macon City Centre
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Savannah: Horseshoe Casino Savannah
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Waycross: VictoryLand Casino at Waycross
Riverboat Casinos:
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Brunswick: Golden Isles Casino
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Columbus: Jack's Casino
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Savannah: Savannah Riverboat
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Valdosta: Ameristar Casino Hotel
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Warner Robins: Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort South
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West Point: Wind Creek River Casino & Hotel
Casino Games
Casinos in Georgia offer a wide range of games, including:
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Slots: More than 10,000 slot machines are available in Georgia casinos, with denominations ranging from $0.01 to $100.
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Table Games: Popular table games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and pai gow, are offered at Georgia casinos.
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Poker: Poker rooms are available at many Georgia casinos, offering both cash games and tournaments.
Casino Promotions
Casinos in Georgia offer a variety of promotions to attract customers. These promotions may include:
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Free play: Free play is a form of casino credit that can be used to play slots or table games.
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Bonuses: Casinos may offer bonuses to new or returning players. These bonuses can be in the form of match bonuses, reload bonuses, or no-deposit bonuses.
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Loyalty programs: Loyalty programs allow players to earn points that can be redeemed for various rewards, such as free play, discounts, or hotel stays.
Casino Tips
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your casino experience in Georgia:
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Set a budget and stick to it. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of gambling, so it's important to set a budget before you start playing.
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Take advantage of promotions. Casinos offer a variety of promotions, so take advantage of them to save money.
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Learn the games before you play. If you're not familiar with a game, ask a casino employee to teach you how to play.
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Don't gamble while intoxicated. Gambling while intoxicated can lead to poor decision-making.
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Have fun! Gambling should be a fun experience, so relax and enjoy yourself.
Legal Gambling Age in Georgia
The legal gambling age in Georgia is 21. This applies to all forms of gambling, including casinos, horse racing, and the lottery.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please contact the Georgia Council on Compulsive Gambling at 1-800-522-4700.
Benefits of Georgia Casinos
There are many benefits to having casinos in Georgia, including:
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Economic development: Casinos create jobs and generate revenue for the state.
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Entertainment: Casinos offer a variety of entertainment options for both locals and tourists.
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Tourism: Casinos attract tourists from all over the country.
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Charitable giving: Casinos often donate money to local charities.
Cons of Georgia Casinos
There are also some cons to having casinos in Georgia, including:
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Crime: Casinos can attract crime, such as theft and prostitution.
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Social problems: Casinos can lead to social problems, such as gambling addiction and bankruptcy.
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Environmental impact: Casinos can have a negative impact on the environment, such as by contributing to traffic and pollution.
Comparison of Georgia Casinos
The table below compares the six land-based casinos in Georgia.
Casino |
Location |
Number of Slots |
Number of Table Games |
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort |
Cherokee |
3,500 |
150 |
MGM Grand Atlanta Casino |
Atlanta |
2,500 |
100 |
WynnBET Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino Hotel Atlanta |
Atlanta |
1,500 |
50 |
Rivers Casino & Resort |
Columbus |
1,200 |
40 |
Bally's Atlanta |
Gwinnett County |
1,000 |
30 |
BetMGM Sportsbook at Macon City Centre |
Macon |
500 |
20 |
The table below compares the six riverboat casinos in Georgia.
Casino |
Location |
Number of Slots |
Number of Table Games |
Golden Isles Casino |
Brunswick |
1,000 |
30 |
Jack's Casino |
Columbus |
1,000 |
30 |
Savannah Riverboat |
Savannah |
500 |
20 |
Ameristar Casino Hotel |
Valdosta |
500 |
20 |
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort South |
Warner Robins |
500 |
20 |
Wind Creek River Casino & Hotel |
West Point |
500 |
20 |
Effective Strategies for Playing Casino Games
There are no guaranteed ways to win at casino games, but there are some strategies that can help you increase your chances of success.
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Learn the game. The first step to winning at any casino game is to learn how to play it. This means understanding the rules of the game, the odds of winning, and the best strategies for playing.
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Manage your bankroll. It's important to set a budget before you start gambling and to stick to it. This will help you avoid losing more money than you can afford.
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Take advantage of bonuses. Casinos offer a variety of bonuses to attract customers. These bonuses can help you save money and increase your chances of winning.
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Play at the right time. Casinos are often busiest on weekends and evenings. If you can, try to play during off-peak hours when the crowds are smaller.
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Quit while you're ahead. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of gambling and to keep playing even when you're losing. It's important to know when to quit and walk away.
Tips and Tricks for Playing Casino Games
Here are some tips and tricks for playing casino games:
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Slots: Choose slots with a high payback percentage. This is the percentage of money that the slot machine pays back to players over time.
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Table Games: Learn the basic strategy for the game you're playing. This will help you make the best decisions and increase your chances of winning.
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Poker: Play at a table with players of similar skill level. This will give you a better chance of winning.
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Blackjack: Always stand on 17 or higher. This is the best basic strategy for blackjack.
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Roulette: Bet on red or black. This is the best bet in roulette because it has the lowest house edge.
Why Georgia Casinos Matter
Georgia casinos matter for a number of reasons.
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They generate revenue for the state. In 2019, casinos in Georgia generated $2.6 billion in revenue. This revenue can be used to fund important programs and services, such as education and healthcare.
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They create jobs. Casinos in Georgia create thousands of jobs. These jobs provide a stable income for families and contribute to the state's economy.
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They offer entertainment options. Casinos offer a variety of entertainment options for both locals and tourists. This can help to boost tourism and make Georgia a more attractive place to live.
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They support charitable causes. Casinos often donate money to local charities. This money can help to fund important programs and services that benefit the community.
Conclusion
Georgia casinos are a significant part of the