Georgia Legislators Likely To Reconsider Casinos

Georgia state Rep. Ron Stephens (l.) said he will introduce a bill that would change the state constitution to allow casino gambling and up to four casinos, including two in Atlanta, with revenue going to the HOPE scholarship fund. Last year he presented a similar but it died after House Speaker David Ralston postponed a vote.

Last year Georgia state Rep. Ron Stephens introduced HR 807, a constitutional amendment which would have legalized casino gambling and allowed up to four casinos in the state. The House Regulated Industries Committee supported the bill, but House Speaker David Ralston postponed a vote on the bill, effectively killing it for the session. Governor Nathan Deal also stated at the time that he did not believe casinos would “enhance the climate of the state.”

Recently Stephens said he plans to submit a similar bill during the legislative session which begins January 9. His original measure called for a minimum investment of $1.25 billion for one Atlanta-area casino and $750 million for another in Atlanta, plus a $400 million investment for the final two statewide licenses.

Legislators estimate the four resorts would generate $250 million dollars in tax revenue and create 10,000 jobs. Supporters also said casino gambling could solve the increasing demand for HOPE scholarships. However, House Democrats–whose votes are necessary to reach the required margin for constitutional amendments–said they want casino tax revenue to go to a new program that provides needs-based aid to fund higher education costs.

To date nearly 50 lobbyists have registered on the behalf of several casino operators, including Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts. The companies previously had scouted the Atlanta area for potential casino locations.

Recent Articles

History Playbook

On This Day In Sports History

On August 23, 2017, Dodgers starter Rich Hill lost both a no-hitter and the game on a single pitch in a 1-0 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. Hill carried a perfect game into the 9th inning before an error broke it up, though he retired the next three batters to keep the no-hitter intact. Returning for the 10th inning in a scoreless tie, Hill surrendered a walk-off home run on a 2-1 pitch to Pittsburgh leadoff hitter Josh Harrison.

On This Day In Sports History

On August 22, 1951, St. Louis Browns pitcher Tommy Byrne tied a major league record by issuing 16 walks in a 3-1, 13-inning loss to the Boston Red Sox at Sportsman's Park. Byrne faced 63 batters, struck out five, left 22 men on base, and even drove in St. Louis's only run with a fifth-inning double. Boston secured the victory in the top of the 13th behind a Ted Williams single and four two-out walks, including a bases-loaded pass to opposing pitcher Leo Kiely, who pitched 12 1/3 innings for the win.