A recent editorial in the Brunswick News of Brunswick, Georgia, stated, “One would have a difficult time arguing against allowing voters in all of Georgia’s 159 counties to decide whether casino gambling ought to be allowed in this state. A constitutional amendment would be required for that to happen, and there is a growing movement in Atlanta to add this very question to the next statewide ballot.”
However, the editorial noted, “Casino gambling ignites moral issues, as well as fear of the kind of crimes that usually follow these developments, in many Georgians today. So why not a compromise, if casinos are indeed to be in Georgia’s future? Why not add to any bill or measure introduced in the General Assembly a clause that would require city or county approval via local referendum for any casino proposed in a community’s backyard?”
The editorial pointed out alcohol is legal in Georgia but each county determines if it wants those products sold. “It ought to be the same with big gambling outfits,” the editorial stated. It added, “What this compromise would do is give the rest of the state a voice, one that could be heard over the din of gambling advocates in Atlanta. It is the capital city where the urge to introduce casinos is strongest. Residents in other cities or counties would have to approve any casino proposed for their area — that is, should Georgia ever open the door to these gambling operations with the statewide passage of a constitutional amendment. This would be a win-win for all.”
