Georgia Senate Panel Approves Bill To Legalize Casinos, Sports Betting

Article by : Erik Gibbs Feb 26, 2024

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Late on Thursday, the state Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee greenlit a proposed constitutional amendment that puts the fate of legalizing both sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia, into the hands of voters.

This move marks a departure from other gambling legislation under consideration in the General Assembly this year, which is primarily focused on sports betting.

Senator Carden Summers, the main proponent of Senate Resolution 538, emphasized to committee members that casinos would have a far more significant economic impact than sports betting.

According to Summers, over 80,000 Georgians are already engaging in casino gambling outside the state each year, but the resulting jobs and tax revenue do not benefit Georgia.

Summers drew attention to the positive outcomes of legalized gambling through the Georgia Lottery, highlighting the funding it has generated for the HOPE Scholarship and pre-kindergarten programs, showcasing the potential benefits for the Peach State.

Senate Resolution 538 proposes a structured allocation of tax revenue, with 50% earmarked for vital transportation improvements and an additional 20% dedicated to bolstering child-care programs.

The remaining 30% would be evenly distributed among essential sectors such as mental health and gambling addiction programs, rural healthcare and Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Senator Carden Summers emphasized that the legalization of gambling has been a longstanding topic of debate among Georgia lawmakers, yet none of the numerous bills addressing the issue has successfully navigated the General Assembly.

Urging the committee members, Summers expressed a desire to bring a resolution to the matter and entrust the decision to the people of Georgia.

Leaders in local politics and business, hailing from Columbus, Henry and Liberty counties, voiced their endorsement for the bill, underscoring the anticipated economic boost from the introduction of casinos.

Senate Resolution 538 envisions the establishment of five casinos strategically located throughout the state.

However, Mike Griffin, representing public affairs for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, presented a counterpoint, emphasizing that discussions about the economic gains from legalized gambling overlook the profound social repercussions.

Griffin emphasized that decisions should not be solely dictated by financial considerations, highlighting the need to prevent money from becoming the ultimate moral standard. He also expressed concerns about the potential surge in addictive gambling, sex trafficking and suicide that could accompany the advent of casinos.