Some states have made online gambling legal since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA. Casino gambling is still illegal in Georgia, although lawmakers are putting forward legislation to change the status of online sports betting to make it legal.
While those discussions continue, what are the options for Georgians looking for the top online casino sites? Fortunately, there are some legal alternatives. The increase in social and sweepstakes casinos is giving Georgians access to sites where they can play slots and other fun games.
Let’s explore the situation as it stands, including a closer look at how social and sweepstakes casinos work. Rough Draft Atlanta looked into the legal status in Georgia, what it’s like to play at these sites, and what the future holds for them.
Understanding Social and Sweepstakes Casinos
Social and sweepstakes casinos are names that are often used interchangeably. There’s a subtle difference between the two. What’s important to note is that most sites available to Georgians are both.
Social casinos are sites where you can play games without using real money. You use the site’s social coins to play, and the winnings go into your balance to use to play some more. Sweepstakes casinos have ways of claiming prizes. That’s when your sweepstakes coins are converted and awarded to you.
Most sites have the option to switch between regular social play and sweepstakes play. There are usually ways to get more coins besides playing. They include daily check-in bonuses, referral rewards, and social media giveaways.
The Legal Framework in Georgia
Sweepstakes and social casinos are legal in Georgia. Social casinos don’t involve any exchange of goods, so they’re just for fun online play. Sweepstakes are slightly different, as you can redeem your coins. Since you don’t have to deposit money and can only win your prizes, they’re legal and not subject to the usual gambling laws.
The Growing Popularity of Sweepstakes Casinos
Sweepstakes casinos have seen rapid growth over the last few years. That’s good news for Georgia players, as more options mean you can choose the site that’s best for you. The growth is also helping to develop a variety of games and rewards that keep players entertained.
The sweepstakes market is expected to grow by 31% each year for the next three years, showing that the growth isn’t slowing just yet. The growing popularity is down to the fact that players in many states are looking for an experience equivalent to casino gambling, but in a legal way. Companies quickly spotted the gap in the market and created social and sweepstakes sites to meet that need.
How Social Casinos Deliver Community Engagement
One of the most appealing parts of social casinos, besides their legality, is that they bring players together. Most sites have social media channels with giveaways as well as a player chat where people can socialize while they play. Research shows that 48% of people under the age of 42 spend more time socializing online than offline.
Alongside the in-game chat, there are other ways that these sites build virtual communities. There’s often a way to share your success and milestones, and others can react. Plus, social casinos have challenges, tournaments, and leaderboards where players can compete and cheer each other on.
Playing at Social and Sweepstakes Casinos
To play at social casinos, Georgian players need to register for an account. You usually need to be 21 or older to register at most sites. Typically, you’ll need to fill out your personal details, and in many cases, you’ll need to verify your email address or phone number to get started.
Playing at these casinos is straightforward. When registering, you’ll be given a gift that can include regular coins and sweep coins, which you can use to play the games in the different modes. These sites also offer coin packages, which you can purchase, but you don’t need to. All that’s left to do is browse the games and select one to play.
Future Prospects for Social and Sweepstakes Casinos
The future looks bright for sweepstakes and social casinos. As residents in states where gambling isn’t legal, including Georgia, look for ways to play online, sweepstakes, and social casinos will continue to grow. Their popularity is still in the early phases at the moment. However, we can expect them to see an increase in players as the quality of the sites improves.
The increase in players will fuel the competition to develop and improve. As their popularity continues to rise, social and sweepstakes will work harder to stand out from the crowd. Rough Draft Atlanta predicts that Georgian players will see sites with more games, new ways to engage, and better social competitions and opportunities. That’s great news for residents in Georgia who want to play online, as their options and the quality of them will bring plenty of benefits.
