In campaign finance disclosure filed this week, MGM Resorts International contributed to the campaigns of two Democratic gubernatorial candidates: $22,000 to former Georgia state Rep. Stacey Evans and $14,000 to ex-House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams. Both have stated they would support legalizing casinos if the tax revenue is directed to the lottery-funded HOPE scholarship program. MGM continues to express interest in building a $1 billion casino complex in Atlanta.
All five of the leading Republican candidates, and Governor Nathan Deal, all oppose casino gambling.
The disclosures also indicated over the past year, MGM also gave $10,000 to the Georgia House GOP Trust; $9,000 to the Democratic Party of Georgia; $1,000 to House Speaker David Ralston; and $1,000 to the Georgia GOP Senatorial Committee.
In addition, the American Gaming Association gave $250 to Attorney General Chris Carr, a Boyd Gaming Corporation donated to several legislative leaders including Senate Pro Tem Butch Miller, Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, Ralston and House Majority Leader Jon Burns.
Supporters of a constitutional amendment to legalize casino gambling still are trying to build support for their proposal, which they said would enhance the HOPE scholarship program and economic development. Faith-based groups oppose casino gambling in the state.
