City Council members in Atlanta, Georgia voted to push for a vote in the city on a legal casino in the city. By a 12-2 vote, they approved an ordinance to request the Georgia General Assembly to propose the nonbinding ballot question asking, “If the state of Georgia legalizes gambling, should Atlanta, Georgia, be considered a possible destination location?”
Councilwoman Marci Collier Overstreet said, “This legislation is about putting power in the hands of the people. Our constituents should be able to have their say on this issue. Studies also show a correlation between providing ballot questions and increased voter participation.” Overstreet said she hopes to have the question on ballots in March 2020 or the next available ballot.
At a recent hearing of the state House Special Committee on Economic Growth, Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark proposed a $1 billion casino resort development adjacent to the existing racetrack.
Before expanded gambling can happen in Georgia, two-third of both legislative chambers must approve a constitutional amendment, followed by a statewide referendum.
Governor Brian Kemp has said he’s against legalized gambling, but won’t stand in the way of a statewide voter referendum on the issue as long as all the proceeds from gambling go to the HOPE Scholarship program.
