State lawmakers have already proposed the legalization of casinos and/or horse racing within the borders of Georgia, but have met with very strong opposition. Now, however, the state seems to be ready once again to discuss the potential expansion of gambling.
So it seems that the momentum for the pro-casino movement is growing. The legislature would like to use casino gaming in order to expand its lottery-funded scholarship HOPE. This is a scheme that pays the taxes for the state's brightest students. It is this proposal that has gained popularity for the casino proposal.
The proposal is that the gambling sites would be charged a cost of millions of dollars in licensing costs. In addition, each year they should contribute 12% of their turnover total to the state. Not less than 90% of the proceeds of the tax should go to various educational programs, of which the HOPE scholarship would be a top priority.
Because it proposes an amendment to the constitution, the bill would have to go to a referendum, but would need approval from a two-thirds majority in the legislature in order to reach that stage.
"We believe that a limited number of destination casinos of the kind in this bill today will ensure long term viability for this program," added Chip Lake from the Committee to Preserve the HOPE scholarship.
However, Professor John Kindt from the University of Illinois, who had testified in favor of RAWA, in a recent hearing in Washington, DC, has urged caution.
Also present were representatives of MGM Resorts International, who are proposing to build a $1 billion casino in downtown Atlanta.
In fact, MGM Resorts International's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Murren argued that, if Georgia allows the establishment of a casino within its borders, it would bring many millions of dollars in to the state and in particular to its educational programs, and it would prevent residents from spending their money gambling in neighboring states.
The debate over the legalization of casino gaming in Georgia continues, and we'll stay tuned in for that.
For now though, you may want to beat the odds in gambling through www.couponhuntr.com.