Georgia Gaming Study Committee Begins Review, Proponents Tout Economic Benefits
This week, the Georgia House Study Committee on Gaming, formed by a House resolution that was passed earlier this year, conducted its initial meeting at the Oconee County Administrative Building in Watkinsville.
The Gaming Study Committee's responsibility is to examine how the legalization of specific types of commercial gambling, sanctioned by the public and facilitated by the General Assembly, could potentially benefit the Peach State.
The bipartisan committee of nine members includes Chair Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville) along with Reps. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), Matt Hatchett (D-Dublin), Yasmin Neal (D-Jonesboro), Chuck Martin (D-Alpharetta), Al Williams (D-Midway), Holt Persinger (R-Winder), and Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta).
One of 16 House study committees this legislative offseason, exploring topics ranging from marijuana to election processes, the gaming committee will provide recommendations to the General Assembly concerning casinos, sports betting, and parimutuel wagering by December 1.
Prolonged Conversation
Georgia is among just five states that lack commercial or tribal casinos, sports wagering, or parimutuel betting. The remaining states are Alabama, Hawaii, South Carolina, and Utah.
Legislators in Atlanta have frequently debated proposals and referendums aimed at abolishing the state's gambling ban, except for the state lottery and some minor charitable games
"We’ve been talking about this issue since my hair was black,” said Stephens, 71, a Republican who has supported gaming expansion throughout his nearly three decades in the state House of Representatives.
Stephens leads the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee and has consistently supported legislation to permit casinos and sports betting. Williams has been elected president of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States. The organization neither endorses nor rejects gaming, yet frequently convenes to deliberate on the appropriate regulation of the sector.
Powell, requested to provide a historical overview of unsuccessful gambling legalization efforts, informed the committee and those present that earlier study committees have determined that the legislature does not possess the power to legalize casinos or sports betting without a voter-approved constitutional referendum
"The state constitution does not allow for gambling,” Powell explained.
Powell, a member of a 2019 gaming committee, stated that the Georgia Lottery, which supports education via the HOPE Program (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally), has been extremely successful.
"No matter what someone wants to say about the evils of gambling — there’s a lot of evils in this world — people like to gamble,” Powell said.
Ed Clark, president of EchoPark Speedway, formerly recognized as Atlanta Motor Speedway, urged the committee to suggest that the legislature propose legislation to hold a casino referendum. Clark and Speedway Motorsports, which operates the track — host to NASCAR’s Ambetter Health 400 and Quaker State 400 — have shown interest in developing a casino resort at the Hampton venue.
"We’re looking to broaden our business footprint by partnering with an experienced operator for a fully integrated, high-quality resort with a hotel, casino, convention space, dining facilities, and amusement activities,” Clark testified.
“How would this benefit Georgia? New business means new jobs,” Clark said
Faith-Based Resistance
Georgia is firmly situated in the Bible Belt, and Mike Griffin, the public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, a regular presence in the General Assembly when “sin industries” are discussed, urged the Gaming Study Committee to avoid permitting what he considers a morally objectionable industry.
Griffin stated that, irrespective of ethics, the “data” shows that it’s “intellectually dishonest” to discuss the advantages of gambling without acknowledging the disadvantages
"You might not ride a high moral horse on whether you think it’s right or wrong, but what about the data? What does it [gaming] have related to economics? What about crime? What about addiction?” Griffin asked.
House Gaming Study Committee Chair Wiedower expressed to Griffin that he would “love” to witness his “enthusiasm in other areas, not solely in gambling.”
The committee has yet to disclose when its upcoming meeting is scheduled, but Wiedower indicates it will probably occur near the end of August
