A recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll found a majority of registered voters in Georgia–56 percent favor allowing casino gambling, with 38 opposed. In January 2016, 69 percent supported casino gambling. Despite the drop, lawmakers plan to introduce pro-gambling legislation in the recently convened 2017 session.
State Rep. Ron Stephens said he’ll reintroduce a bill for a constitutional amendment he proposed last year allowing four casinos in the state, including two in Atlanta, each requiring a minimum $250 million investment. And state Senator Brandon Beach said he favors a constitutional amendment to allow a horse racetrack and five casinos, including one located within 25 miles of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport of Atlanta, with a minimum of a $1 billion investment.
At least 49 lobbyists have registered at the Capitol on behalf of gambling companies.
State Rep. Stacey Evans said, “If we provide a significant portion of the funds to go toward needs-based aid, I personally am in favor generally of casino gambling with the caveat that the local area has to approve it.” State Rep. David Wilkerson commented, “I haven’t committed one way or the other in supporting it, but it’s a non-starter if it doesn’t talk about a HOPE 2 or something where it’s needs-based,” referring to the state’s HOPE scholarship program. He added, “Since Republicans have taken control, things that you didn’t think would happen have happened. We have alcohol on Sundays. We have no smoking in restaurants. So there’s a lot of things that people would have thought never would have passed years ago. So I don’t think casino gambling is that far out of it. I think it’s definitely got a chance.”
Not so, said state Rep. Ed Setzler. He noted, “I think we’re called not to challenge this only on moral or ethical grounds, which I think many people have valid concerns about, but if you look at it purely economically, I believe it’s an economic development gimmick, and I think we’ve got to be better than this as a state.” Setzler added only casino owners and operators would realize any economic benefits.
State Rep. Bert Reeves said although the state allows gambling in the form of a lottery, “I think what folks need to remember is that the lottery is run by the state of Georgia. The casinos, while regulated by the state, would not be run by the state. And there’s a very big difference between those two things.” Reeves also expressed concern if the legislation passed, “Hypothetically, there would be a very intense advocacy campaign leading up to that ballot vote. And that industry would have an unlimited budget in funding that narrative and presenting it as ‘This is how we save the education crisis in Georgia.’ Creating that narrative, it’s not a fair fight or a fair advocacy.”
Beach will need support from two-thirds of the House and Senate to place on the 2018 ballot the constitutional amendment allowing voters to decide if they want the new forms of gambling. Local governments and voters then would have to approve a local facility and apply for a license.
State Senator Lindsey Tippins said although casinos could provide needed revenue, the potential social impacts must be considered. He said, “If you’re willing to do anything for money, my goodness, look at the doors that would be open. You could legalize and tax prostitution. You could legalize and tax narcotics. There may be a lot of cash flow coming in, but it’s very detrimental to the social fabric that I think all of us who have families and who are trying to leave legacies for our children and grandchildren, having a good place to live in Cobb County and the state of Georgia, it’d be ridiculous to vote to support that.”
Tippins also cautioned senators to look at Atlantic City. “They’re on the verge of bankruptcy. They’re in social decay in the entire area around what was the hub of their gambling operation. There’s nothing about Atlantic City that I want to bring to the state of Georgia, economically, socially or otherwise,” he said.
Meanwhile, Augusta city commissioners recently unanimously passed a motion to provide extra funding to educate the public on the benefits of casino gambling, with at least 90 percent of the state’s share going toward the HOPE fund. Commissioner Marion Williams said, “I’m all for whatever we can get. I hope Augusta benefits from it.” The Augusta legislative delegation is pushing for the city to potentially host a regional casino.
On another front, the Georgia Horse Racing Coalition is pushing for a constitutional amendment to allow parimutuel betting, if approved by the legislature. Executive Director Steven Crane said the group envisions a world-class racino in the Atlanta area, with elevated walkways around the track, residential areas and entertainment venue plus innovative infield space. Crane said a racetrack on its own would not generate enough revenue to make a difference for the state, unlike a destination resort with a casino and racetrack and other amenities.
