ATLANTA (AP) — A state House committee approved a set of measures Thursday that would seek to bring casino gambling to Georgia.
The bill and accompanying constitutional amendment would allow up to four casinos around the state, with two in the metro Atlanta area. At least 90 percent of revenue from casinos would go toward education, including the HOPE scholarship. The program is currently funded by the state Lottery but has struggled to keep pace with demand.
The measures' sponsor Rep. Ron Stephens, R- Savannah, said casino gambling would fill the gap.
"The HOPE scholarship has continued to dwindle from 100 percent funding to 70 percent," he said.
The version of the bill approved by the committee increased casinos' state tax rate to 20 percent. Previous versions called for a 12 percent tax but allowed for six casinos. Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, said, the potential annual revenue at 12 percent would be between $280 million and $300 million. He expects the higher tax to bring in more funding for education, despite a smaller number of permitted casinos.
If lawmakers pass the constitutional amendment, Georgians statewide would vote on whether to allow casinos. If the statewide ballot succeeds, Stephens said communities would then have to hold referendums to approve local casinos.
"It's not coming unless you want it," he said.
The bill also would create a new state commission to oversee casinos.
"This is a best practice from a regulatory standpoint," Ramsey said.
Opponents of the measure argued that casinos don't have broad economic impact and can cause social problems.
John Kindt, a professor of business and legal policy at the University of Illinois, said expanding gambling legislation in Georgia would come with serious consequences. Kindt also said casino gambling wouldn't encourage new job creation due to the popularity of slot machines.
"We are not talking about a consumer business here," he said. "Gambling doesn't generate economic development. Crime and bankruptcies will ultimately go up as a result."
The committee's approval could mean the bill will reach the House floor for a vote before a key deadline on Monday. Bills must pass at least one chamber before the 30th day of the legislative session. Supporters still could face opposition; Gov. Nathan Deal has said he's not supportive of casino gambling.
