Georgia Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Chris Clark recently told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution his group is closely watching the joint legislative study committee reviewing a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow casinos in the state. Clark said the chamber could announce its position on the issue after the study committee makes its recommendations later in the year. “We’re following the committee hearings back home and once they come out with their recommendations, which I would imagine would be December, maybe January, then we’ll quickly come behind that with our position.” Clark and 125 Chamber members recently visited the Georgia Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.
Proponents of legalizing up to six Georgia casinos said the move would lead to thousands of jobs and bring an additional $280 million a year to the struggling HOPE Scholarship program, funded by the Georgia Lottery.
MGM Resorts International has proposed a $1 billion casino resort in downtown Atlanta. Company officials said the $1.3 billion MGM National Harbor resort now under construction in Maryland could serve as a model for an Atlanta property.
