Currently, the state only allows regulated lottery, charity gambling, and playing casino games on a cruise ship. These are the only land-based options available for Georgia residents to satisfy their gambling needs. 

The gambling history of Georgia

Georgia’s conservative approach towards all matters associated with casinos dates back to the late 19th century. During the first part of the 19th century, a vibrant gambling culture had prevailed across the state. With the introduction of certain laws in the latter half of the 1800s, most forms of gambling were outlawed.

In the 1970s, charity bingo and raffles were legalized in Georgia. This was done on the grounds that the organizers didn’t get to make any personal profit out of them. Nearly a century after the banning of the state lottery, it was once again legalized in the 1990s. 

In 2012, an attempt was made to introduce a land-based casino. The idea was to donate its profits to fund the education program. As it didn’t get any support from the lawmakers, the attempt failed.

Current status of casino regulation in Georgia

The lawmakers in Georgia have still not opened up to the idea of constructing casinos across the state. Amid the legal hassles, some lobbyists are seeking the approval of lawmakers to develop the casino industry. They argue that these casinos can fund the state’s educational program in a big way. One of the best examples is the HOPE Scholarship. 

HOPE stands for Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally. Since its inception, the revenues from the state lottery have already contributed $10 billion to it. Amendments have to be agreed upon in a referendum by the voters in order to legalize casino gambling. A bill in this regard hasn’t been introduced yet.

Legal age for casino gambling in the state

In the state of Georgia, all participants in the state lottery must be over 18 years of age. The players need to be above 21 years of age to gamble at the only casino in the state. This is the Emerald Princess Casino located in Brunswick.

Playing online casino games

Fortunately, the online casinos with offshore servers have come to the rescue of the gamblers. Lawmakers of the state haven’t yet legalized or regulated online casinos. However, those who want to play online casino games with real money can do so on offshore online casinos. This means you can play online casinos while in Georgia. The only condition is that the casino’s servers must not be hosted in the state.

You can find some detailed information about the best online casinos and slot games on Casinos Jungle. It is one of the best casino review sites you’ll ever come across. Some of the popular online casinos have been reviewed and rated by experts on this website. This website also has valuable resources on playing online casinos and responsible gambling. Above all, you can try some of the slot games for free!

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You’ll also get to indulge in some thrilling outdoor adventures while exploring Georgia. The fabulous terrain in several parts of the state is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and other activities. Here are some of the popular attractions you can visit while in Georgia:

1. Providence Canyon State Park

It has been nicknamed the ‘Little Grand Canyon. Providence Canyon State Park is located in the southwestern part of Georgia. It’s among the seven natural wonders of the state with deep gullies, magnificent cliffs, and multi-coloured soil. 

This park was created as a result of some poor farming practices of the 19th century. Upon visiting this marvellous attraction, you’ll come across breathtaking, Instagram-worthy scenery. The park also has over 16 kilometres of hiking trails.

2. Driftwood Beach

This beach is an excellent natural playground for kids. You can take some amazing snaps of the otherworldly sculpture garden on Driftwood Beach. It was formed due to saltwater and ongoing erosion of sand. It is located on the northern end of one of the barrier islands along the coastline of Georgia. The island is called Jekyll Island. 

You can try climbing the weathered oak trees or use them as backdrops for your Instagram snaps. However, make sure you check the tide schedules before embarking on a trip to this beach.

3. Georgia Aquarium

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see the whale sharks, sea otters, and other marine beings at the Georgia Aquarium. Located in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, this aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. 

Visitors get to witness the marine ecosystems around the world and their inhabitants while exploring Georgia Aquarium. The seven fantastic galleries would give you the chance to watch these aquatic species in action closely.

4. Jimmy Carter National Historic Park

While exploring this historic park, you’ll get to see the key buildings associated with Jimmy Carter. He served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. The former president of the United States still lives in the town of Plains in Georgia. 

Jimmy Carter National Historic Park offers some interesting insights into his life. They span the period from his boyhood to becoming the presidential candidate. You can also visit Plains High School, the official state school of Georgia. This is the institution Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had attended and graduated from.  

5. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Folkston, this wildlife refuge is ideal for paddlers. You can paddle through the largest blackwater swamp of North America during your visit. It is also among the seven natural wonders of Georgia along the southern border of the state. 

While exploring this wildlife refuge, you can get closer to the birds, alligators, and other wild species. This is made possible with hikes, nature shows, and train and boat tours in Okefenokee Swamp Park.

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This event is held annually every summer in Hiawassee, which is the seat of Towns County. When it first began in the mid-20th century, it was attended by about 2,000 individuals. Today, the number has grown to over 100,000. You’ll have loads of surprises at the fair with its daily music concerts, craft booths, and food stands.

History

The Georgia Mountain Fair was started jointly by the Towns County officials and the local Lions Club. Initially, it began as a weekend event as a result of the efforts of E.N. Nicholson and Herbert ‘Tall’ Tabor. Nicholson was a county extension agent and Tabor was the president of the civic group. This fair became a week-long event of celebrations by the mid-1950s. 

It featured an opening parade, plenty of countries, gospel, and bluegrass music, and a beauty queen contest. The venue of the fair at the time was the Towns County High School. It was held inside the building as well as on the grounds nearby. The classrooms inside the school were used as display areas for exhibitions and crafts. Events featuring the mountain life and livestock were held on the grounds. 

A hog-shooting contest and an indoor trout stream were two major attractions in the fair’s early days. Food for the hungry visitors was prepared by homemakers of the Towns County. The pickers along with their mandolins, banjos, fiddles, and guitars were sheltered in a big tent.

Exhibitions and other offerings

The fair allows you to buy fried apple pies, cider, home-cooked vegetables, and beef jerky besides the usual fare. Musicians perform at the music hall named after Robert Anderson. He was a former president of the Georgian Mountain Fair. 

You’ll be delighted to visit the Pioneer Village, which showcases the local arts and crafts. Local folks explain the process of making oak shingles and baskets and splitting rails to the visitors. You can also browse the canned goods, needle-craft, and handmade quilts displayed at the fair museum.

Impact

The number of visitors to the fair increased in the years that followed. This had a great impact on the economy of Towns County. In 1956, the fair was attended by 40,000 visitors. The number went up to 60,000 by 1965. Many of the prominent music artists performed at the fair. 

Among them was the famous country music singer, Conway Twitty. He performed in his first professional music show at the Georgia Mountain Fair. The Oak Ridge Boys had also performed in a gospel song with other groups at the event. A few permanent exhibitions were constructed near the Towns County High School on the fairgrounds. 

The officials associated with the fair felt the need for a larger site. This led them to negotiate with the Tennessee Valley Authority for purchasing a site on Lake Chatuge’s shores. In 1978, the fair was held at this new permanent site.

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