Georgia state legislators and the Augusta Commission recently met to discuss the possibility of situating a regional casino in that city. Commissioner Marion Williams said, “I’m looking to generate money to come into the city. You can’t legislate morality. That’s a decision you have to make yourself.” Williams added, if Augusta does not become a gambling destination, players are “going to go across the bridge, and they’re going to make the money.” Commissioner-elect Andrew Jefferson, who takes office in January, said, “Done in moderation, casino gambling it would be a great source of revenue, a win-win all around.”
A gambling bill introduced in the last state legislative session proposed dividing the state into regions, with two possible casinos in Augusta and Atlanta. State Senator Harold Jones of Augusta, who served on a gaming study committee, said the approach would avoid over-saturation in any one area. He said with Atlanta and Savannah as potential “destination” casino locations, Augusta is perfect for a “regional” casino location.
Leading up to the next session, area legislators still support casino gaming. Delegation Chairman Rep. Wayne Howard stated, “I don’t think we have any trouble with our local delegation opposing anything we could do to attract that in our direction here.”
The state’s lobbyist database shows 67 people have registered to lobby for gaming organizations. Michael McPherson, a governmental relations associate with the Georgia Municipal Association, noted, “There’s been many, many, many more lobbyists hired. They’re serious about bringing the message to the state.”
