Nearly two-thirds or 64 percent of Georgia voters would be in favor of allowing casino gambling, according to a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll—a 2 percent increase over 2016. In addition, the poll indicated 57 percent of respondents would support legalized sports betting.
Currently the only legal form of gambling in Georgia is the state lottery, approved in a voter referendum in 1992; proceeds support the HOPE scholarship program.
Except for those who consider themselves to be “very conservative,” voters in nearly every demographic group said they supported legalizing casino gambling and sports betting. However, the older the voter, the less he or she supported expanded gambling. More than three-quarters of those age 18 to 29 approved casino gambling in Georgia, but that fell to slightly more than 50 percent among those age 65 and older. Results were similar for sports betting, but with slightly less overall support.
Also, the income level of poll respondents also made little difference. Nearly three-quarters of individuals who said they earn less than $25,000 a year and nearly 70 percent of those who claimed to make more than $150,000 annually said they support casino gambling in Georgia.
Expanded gambling legislation would require two-thirds of both the House and Senate. Then it would go before voters in a referendum that would require a majority vote.
Besides gambling, the poll asked about attitudes toward seat belts, gun control, the economy and taxes. However, expanded gambling is expected to be one of the most debated issues among lawmakers this year.
Conducted January 6 through January 15 by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, the poll received responses from 1,025 registered voters. It had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
Gambling measures have been introduced in the past, but have never progressed to full votes in either house. Major gaming companies have made proposals for integrated resorts in Atlanta and other Georgia cities.
