The future of gaming is here.
The playing field is exploding with new ways to bet on almost anything. Daily fantasy spots, prediction markets, Esports, and skin betting have all joined the lineup, with more products coming soon.
This means the gaming world is a lot more complex and not all games are the same. If you’re choosing to play, know the rules before charting this new frontier.
Check back here for the latest updates on gaming, gambling, and gambling-adjacent products in Georgia.
- The Red Zone
It is illegal for minors to make accounts on any gaming platform, which includes sports entertainment apps and prediction market platforms. You also must be 18 or older to play the Georgia Lottery.
Sports betting and online gambling is illegal in the state of Georgia, regardless of your age. If you’re wagering on sports or playing online casino games, you’re likely doing so on an offshore or out-of-state site. These operators are notorious for unreliable payouts and the consequences aren’t worth the risks. Learn more.
Parents and caregivers: When kids and teens get involved in gaming and gambling early, it can lead to problems later on. It is not a safe alternative to underage drinking, drugs, or vaping. Protect your accounts and passwords so they can’t get access.
Pointers for Play
Make the right moves for you. Most people who choose to engage in gambling-related activities do so for entertainment purposes. For some people, the right move may be no gaming at all.
Make your plan
Your favorite pitching ace has a pitch count – and for good reason! What’s your budget?
Team up
Partner with a friend to keep your budget and betting plan.
Take breaks
If the fun’s gone, take a breather.
Learn the lingo
Know the plays before you hit the field. Read up on how each game and platform works.
Expect to lose
Hope to win, but expect to lose. Avoid chasing losses.
Above all, keep it fun.
Gaming and gambling should be about having fun, not just about the money. Take a timeout if it stops feeling that way.
For Providers
All providers are welcome to reach out for guidance or treatment referrals at 1-800-MY-RESET.
Many clients and patients won’t mention gaming or gambling problems unless directly asked. Some may not even recognize the problem themselves. If you’re concerned about someone, use the below assessment.
Stay up-to-date on the latest mental health resources, and training opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) via email and text updates.
FAQs
What is a prediction market?
A prediction market, also known as betting on futures, is based on event contracts.
Each contract is a simple yes-or-no outcome on real-world events: Who will win the Super Bowl? Who will win the next presidential election? What will be the S&P close price at the end of the quarter?
Traders buy “yes” and “no” positions reflecting possible outcomes. Prices rise and fall as people trade, reflecting what the crowd thinks will happen.
When the event happens, those who guessed right receive a payout.
What’s hedging?
In sports betting and prediction markets, hedging is placing additional bets on the opposite outcome of your original wager. The intention is to limit risk or guarantee a profit.
How can I tell if a platform is legal and legit?
Platforms offering sports betting moneylines and online casino games are illegal in the state of Georgia. Offshore and out-of-state sites and apps allow players to participate in these activities.
If you’re not sure, check with the Georgia State Games Commission. Just because a game or activity is legal in Georgia, doesn’t mean that the website or operator running it is legal.
Other ways to spot these illegal operators:
- Promotes overly generous or vague bonuses or “free play” opportunities
- May not display the 1-800-MY-RESET helpline or other disclaimers
- Shows licensing from foreign entities
- Allows players to bet using a foreign or fake currency (like tokens)
- Requires a VPN to play
Can gaming affect your mood?
Yes! All of us have setpoints. These are natural mood states that slightly change from day to day.
At first, gaming and gaming-related activities can engage the reward hub and increase pleasure. However, when you play more, your setpoint can drop. Over time, problem gaming or gambling forces this setpoint lower and lower. Someone’s emotional state might be so down that they might experience depression even when not playing.
Learn more about gaming and mood at Brain Connections.
Are prediction markets safer because they don’t have a house edge?
No. While prediction markets don’t have a traditional house edge like casino games, they still carry risk.
For starters, not all prediction markets are regulated through the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Some operate in an unregulated or a legally gray area. There may be fewer protections for players compared with licensed operators.
Because payouts can seem tied to skill or “insider knowledge,” people can overestimate their control. Some event contracts have thin liquidity, meaning you might not be able to exit a position at a good price or at all.
I’ve gotten really good at gaming, and have racked a couple of big wins across popular platforms. Can I still develop an addiction?
Yes. Betting isn’t about in-depth knowledge of players, markets, or current events.
Like lottery tickets, gaming activities also involve factors not in your control.
Psychologically, for example, sports bettors perceive they have more control in determining outcomes. In reality, this overestimates the probability of winning.
What groups of people are most at-risk for developing gaming problems?
Everyone. Anyone regardless of race, age, language, gender, or culture can develop a problem with gaming, gambling, or gambling-adjacent activities.
Trend-wise, more young people are betting on sports and prediction markets, and more are seeking help. Gen Zers don’t need a car or credit card to make wagers anymore. From influencer “picks” and star-studded ads to some colleges partnering with gambling operators, they’re being introduced to gaming in new ways.