Casino Bill Being Considered by Georgia Lawmakers

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 12/23/2023

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Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.

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Casino Bill Being Considered

In Georgia, a significant development in the gambling industry could be on the way, with proposed legislation to legalize casino gaming, as well as sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering. This potential new legislation, introduced by State Sen. Brandon Beach, aims to bring in new revenue streams and boost the state’s economy.

Georgia’s Leap into Legalized Gambling: A Game-Changer

The proposed bill seeks to put the power in the hands of the voters, allowing them to decide on a constitutional amendment that could transform the state’s gambling landscape. The potential revenue from this initiative is substantial, with estimates suggesting the legalization of gambling in the state could well bring in as much as $900 million annually.

According to Beach, on a recent visit to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina, he noticed around 85% of the cars in the casino’s parking lot had Georgia number plates. As a result, he said:

We are funding North Carolina’s education system with Georgia license plates up there gaming so I think it’s something we have to let the voters decide.

According to the proposed ballot legislation, half would support freight and logistics, addressing critical infrastructure needs. The rest is to be divided among rural healthcare, mental healthcare, and gambling addiction programs, with 10% to be allocated towards colleges and universities in the state that, historically, have predominantly black alumni.

A New Entertainment Era in Georgia

The bill also covers more than just gambling facilities. It includes plans for destination resort casinos, offering a mix of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment, aiming to create a vibrant nightlife and boost job opportunities. These aren’t intended to mimic the Las Vegas Strip, Beach claims, but to offer a unique combination of entertainment and hospitality, diversifying Georgia’s tourism and leisure offerings.

However, most agree that this legislative move is more about keeping Georgia dollars within the state than anything else. By offering casinos in Georgia, Beach and other lawmakers hope to cash in on the hundreds of millions of dollars that Georgians are currently spending in other states. There will also be a Georgian Gaming Commission, which will operate under the Georgia Lottery Corp to regulate the gambling industry.

The Path Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the potential benefits, the road to legalizing gambling in Georgia is not without challenges. The bill must navigate the legislative process and then face a public vote. This process will involve various stakeholders, including lawmakers, business leaders, and citizens, each with their own views on the expansion of gambling in the state.

Currently, Georgia stands at a crossroads, with the potential to significantly reshape its economic and entertainment landscape. If the public votes in favor, the state could see a boom in job creation, enhanced entertainment options, and increased revenue for critical state projects.

However, the decision does ultimately lie with voters, and it remains to be seen as to how they’ll vote. It should also be noted that sports betting is also up for potential legalization, and, as it might not require a constitutional amendment to come into law, some experts believe it has a much higher chance of passing.