Georgia State Rep. Mickey Stephens of Savannah recently said he expects state Rep. Ron Stephens, chairman of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, also from Savannah, to introduce in next year’s legislative session a measure that would allow gambling on Hutchinson Island.
Later, Ron Stephens said actually legislation is not required since the state constitution already allows gambling through the Georgia Lottery. He said the lottery board, a seven-member panel appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, simply can extend lottery options beyond scratch-off cards and numbers games to slot machines, which would be restricted to Hutchinson and other potential tourism destinations. “I am absolutely convinced it would be an explosion of growth,” Stephens said. Revenue from the games would go to Georgia’s HOPE scholarship fund.
Mickey Stephens said the decision should go to residents in the form of a referendum. “I think the people should decide,” he said. Ron Stephens said he would consider legislation for a referendum but would prefer not to wait for a casino to open until late next year, after the city’s next general election in the fall.
Opponents of the casino project include former state lawmaker, Savannah City Alderman Tom Bordeaux, who said, “I think it would be a horrible mistake.” Another opponent is John Cay, who is overseeing Savannah Harbor Associates, a joint venture planning a mixed-use development east of the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. “It’s inconsistent with the vision of what we want to do on the island,” Cay said.
