Ga. Lawmaker Rolling The Dice On Casino Gambling In Georgia
State Rep. Ron Stephens, Savannah-R, is rolling the dice on casino gambling in Georgia, despite past opposition from state lawmakers.
Stephens introduced legislation in March proposing a constitutional amendment to allow casino gambling in the state, as well as a bill that would limit the number of casinos in the state to just six in five specific geographic areas. Atlanta is the only city that would be allowed to host more than one casino under Stephens’ legislation.
Stephens said during an interview on “A Closer Look” that voters, who would need to approve the measure, might be able to vote on a casino bill by November 2016.
“I hope they get the opportunity to vote.”
The Savannah lawmaker said his proposal would generate an estimated $250 million a year, with much of the proceeds going to the Hope scholarship and pre-K education.
“This is a massive bill,” Stephens said.
The estimated revenue is generated because of the way the bill is written, Stephens explained. The measure would only allow the “casino Cadillacs,” like the MGM Grand, to come in and bid for one of six casino licenses.
Stephens discussed his bill, how it would benefit education in Georgia, past opposition to casino gambling in the state and more on “A Closer Look.”
WABE’s Rose Scott contributed to this story.
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