Will Georgia be the next US state to introduce gambling reforms? Representative Ron Stevens certainly hopes so and he is in the process of introducing legislation that could see a casino ban in the state overturned.
Stevens wants to introduce casinos to three of the state’s top tourist destinations, namely Jekyll Island, Hutchinson Island and Lake Lanier. The idea is to generate revenue from visiting tourists so that the state can benefit from much needed income.
“I want them [the tourists] to have the opportunity to spend their money in Georgia rather than taking their money on the ship and spending it somewhere else,” said the Savannah representative.
Georgia is naturally not oblivious to the sweeping changes taking place in other states across the country and is eyeing with interest how gambling has managed to fill coffers and help cash-strapped local governments move beyond the recession. Money is desperately needed in Georgia for its education system, and legislators are looking for ways to subsidize pre-school and college students.
One plan, which has been on the drawing board for a number of years, is to build a massive resort in Underground Atlanta. The idea already has the financial backing of gambling developers; however legislators have not yet caught on to the idea with enough enthusiasm to generate any movement beyond the planning stage.
Opposition is expected in this traditional state, especially from the Christian Coalition which, as a rule, opposes pro-gambling legislation whenever the idea is brought up.
The president of the group, Jerry Luquire, blasted Stephen’s idea in a statement this weekend and said: “I am so tired of being in a checkout seeing gamblers use cash to buy alcohol, cigarettes and gambling devices (they do go together) and using my tax money in food-stamp cards to buy snacks and groceries.”
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