Casinos have once again become a topic of discussion in the General Assembly.
The Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee of the state has given its approval to a proposed constitutional amendment on Thursday. The amendment seeks to allow Georgia voters to have a say in the legalization of not just sports betting, but also casino gambling. While there have been other gambling-related bills presented before the General Assembly this year, they have solely focused on sports betting.
According to Senator Carden Summers, the chief sponsor of Senate Resolution 538, casinos have the potential to generate a greater economic impact compared to sports betting.
According to Summers, Georgians are already engaging in casino gambling, with over 80,000 individuals visiting out-of-state casinos annually. However, the drawback is that Georgia does not benefit from the jobs and tax revenue that these casinos generate.
Summers highlighted the funding that the Georgia Lottery has provided for HOPE Scholarship and pre-kindergarten students as a prime illustration of the positive impact that legalized gambling has already had on the state of Georgia.
He expressed his gratitude for how the lottery has positively impacted their children’s lives.
Under Senate Resolution 538, half of the tax revenue generated from sports betting and casinos will be allocated towards enhancing transportation infrastructure. An additional 20% of the revenue will be specifically designated for the development of pre-kindergarten and child-care programs.
30% of the funds will be distributed evenly among mental health and gambling addiction programs, rural health care, and Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
According to Summers, the legalization of gambling has been a topic of debate among Georgia lawmakers for years. However, despite numerous bills on the issue, none of them have successfully passed through the General Assembly.
“Let’s resolve this matter,” he urged the committee members, emphasizing his trust in the people of Georgia to make the decision.
Local political and business leaders from Columbus and Henry and Liberty counties expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing the potential economic benefits that casinos can bring. Senate Resolution 538 proposes the establishment of five casinos throughout the state.
According to Mike Griffin, a public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, focusing solely on the economic advantages of legalized gambling overlooks the negative impact it can have on society. Griffin believes that the introduction of casinos would lead to an increase in addictive gambling, sex trafficking, and suicide rates.
Griffin emphasizes the importance of not allowing money to dictate our actions and become the sole measure of our morality.
The Senate Rules Committee will now be responsible for scheduling a floor vote on the resolution.
