Georgia Voters Might Get Choice in Gambling Expansion
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Georgia House Speaker David Ralston thinks state residents might get the opportunity this year to decide if they want more gambling options beyond the lottery.
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston wants to put the expansion of gambling to the voters. If they approve the proposal, state lawmakers will decide what form it will take. Georgia is one of the most limited states in terms of casinos, with the lottery as the only legal, regulated option.
Georgia lawmakers have introduced gambling legislation multiple times over the last few years. Nothing made it through the legislative session. Some of the proposals would have allowed for two casinos in different parts of Georgia. Other plans would divide the state into five or six regions. MGM proposed a $1bn facility in Atlanta. Speedway Motorsports and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation proposed to develop a larger entertainment complex at the racetrack.
Georgia's sports teams supported two companion bills regarding gambling expansion. The bills passed the Senate but stalled in the House. An unrelated bill passed by the Republican-controlled legislature restricted voting rights. Major League baseball pulled the All-Star Game from Atlanta in protest. House Democrats pulled their support for the sports betting bills. Tax revenue from gambling would be earmarked for HOPE Scholarship.
