Georgia Lawmakers Reopen Debate on Legalizing Gambling

Gaming includes sports betting, casino gambling, and horse racing — an issue that has remained contentious for years and pits powerful business interests against deeply rooted conservative opposition.

Georgia is currently one of just four states that have not legalized any form of commercial gaming, according to the American Gaming Association. But that could change as a newly formed study committee met Monday to begin exploring options for expanding gaming in the state.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers spent hours debating the potential economic impact of gaming, particularly casinos, during the first official meeting of the study committee on gaming. While the discussion included some lighthearted moments — like lawmakers joking about how long the issue has been debated — there were also serious arguments from both sides.

“We’ve been talking about this issue since my hair was black,” quipped state Rep. Ron Stephens.

State Rep. Chuck Martin said, “Since Chairman Stephens is talking about hair, we’ve been talking about this issue since I had some.”

Supporters argue that legal gaming could be a boon for Georgia’s economy.

Ed Clark, president of EchoPark Speedway in Henry County, told lawmakers he hopes to build a destination casino resort near the racetrack if legislation is passed.

“If we build a facility at the speedway, it’s going to make you proud,” Clark said, noting the project would create thousands of construction jobs and sustain thousands of permanent jobs after completion.

Lawmakers estimate casinos could generate roughly $500 million in annual revenue.

But opponents warn that the social costs could outweigh any financial benefits.

Lobbyist for the Southern Baptist Convention Mike Griffin testified that gambling could lead to a surge in addiction, crime, bankruptcies, job loss, sex trafficking and suicides.

“For every dollar in revenue, it could cost taxpayers $3 to $5 dollars to fix,” Griffin said. “I do not believe that God will hold us as citizens guiltless if we have more of this happen in the state of Georgia.”

Mike Lewis, a marketing professor, described the fight over gambling as one of the most complex political dynamics in the state.

“This is essentially a rural conservative legislature holding back a trend that a lot of the more liberal, progressive folks in the Atlanta business community really want,” Lewis said.

The study committee has until December to make its recommendations.Its chair, Rep. Marcus Wiedower, has already introduced a resolution that would put the question of legalizing sports betting to voters via a constitutional amendment. That resolution can still be considered during the next legislative session.