Georgia Lawmaker Files Bill That Would Allow Casinos

A second playing growth invoice was filed in Georgia Tuesday as Rep. Ron Stephens filed HR 30, which might permit residents to vote on whether or not on line casino playing is authorized.

It’s the second playing invoice that Stephens has sponsored after having his identify hooked up to an internet sports activities betting invoice that was filed earlier this month at first of the legislative session. According to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Stephens mentioned he plans to file a 3rd piece of laws that may legalize horse racing.

If handed, HR 30 would put a query on the poll in 2022 asking whether or not voters help bringing casinos to the Peach State. Last December, Stephens informed native media that getting expanded playing handed in 2021 was extremely probably however did point out that sports activities betting could be the best to move.

Casino playing would require an modification to the state structure which is why it could require a poll initiative. With payments that require a constitutional modification, two-thirds majority is required in each chambers to get to the governor’s desk. Sports betting, nonetheless, could possibly be legalized by way of the traditional legislative course of and a easy majority vote.

Like most different states which are expanded playing, tax income is a driving pressure behind legalization.

“We’re back at trying to backfill the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K, and the destination resorts, along with the tourism piece, is the way to do it,” Stephens informed the AJC.

There was rising help for expanded playing because the 2020 legislative session began, however the pandemic pressured lawmakers to rearrange their legislative priorities. At the beginning of 2020, the president of the Atlanta Motor Speedway drew up a proposal for a $1 billion on line casino complicated on-site.