2022 Georgia Code
Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses
Chapter 12 - Offenses Against Public Health and Morals
Article 2 - Gambling and Related Offenses
Part 1 - Gambling
§ 16-12-21. Gambling

1. A person commits the offense of gambling when he:
   1. Makes a bet upon the partial or final result of any game or contest or upon the performance of any participant in such game or contest;
   2. Makes a bet upon the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or upon the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
   3. Plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, or balls.
2. A person who commits the offense of gambling shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Laws 1847, Cobb’s 1851 Digest, pp. 819, 820.; Ga. L. 1859, p. 59, § 1; Code 1863, § 4425; Ga. L. 1865-66, p. 233, § 2; Code 1868, § 4466; Code 1873, § 4541; Code 1882, § 4541; Penal Code 1895, § 401; Penal Code 1910, § 392; Code 1933, § 26-6404; Code 1933, § 26-2702, enacted by Ga. L. 1968, p. 1249, § 1; Ga. L. 1970, p. 690, § 1.

Cross references.

Void status of gambling contracts, § 13-8-3 .

Prohibition against contracts of sale for future delivery of cotton, grain, stocks, or other commodities where it is not intended that such commodities actually be delivered, § 13-9-3 .

Parent’s right of action against person playing and betting at game of chance with minor child for money or other value, § 51-1-18.

Law reviews.

For note discussing organized crime in Georgia with respect to the application of state gambling laws, and suggesting proposals for combatting organized crime, see 7 Ga. St. B.J. 124 (1970).

For article, “Misdemeanor Sentencing in Georgia,” see 7 Ga. St. B.J. 8 (2001).