Georgia governor to oppose casino legislation

The Governor, who had not previously been vocal on the plan, said that he would actively urge lawmakers to vote against a constitutional amendment proposed for next year.

Allowing casinos in Georgia reappeared on the agenda when MGM proposed a $1bn resort in Atlanta, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the US without casino gaming.

Lawmakers started looking at ways to make the project a reality to finance the HOPE program that funds college scholarships and education in the state and drafted legislation.

As the first public meetings took place to discuss impacts of casinos and pari-mutuel betting in the state, Gov. Deal said he did not support the idea but would stand back. Now, the governor is determined to make his point clear to the General Assembly, as the legislation gains traction and heads for talks in the new legislative session that starts in January 2016.

“I will make my position very clear to members of the General Assembly. And I would hope they would recognize that we have so many good things going for us in the state of Georgia. This is not something I view as positive. I do not think it improves the quality of life for our citizens. And in my opinion it has very little redeeming value,” Deal told local media.

Deal hinted that he could change his mind, but only if the tax rate on operators hiked up from the 12pc proposed under the drafted bill to 24-35pc. “If they’re willing to put 24 to 35pc of their gross revenue into education … that will be a totally different proposition. I don’t think we’re going to see any of them take us up on that offer,” said Deal.

Further discussions will take place on the legislation over the coming months with opinions considered. It is unclear how much of an impact the governor’s statements will make, although there is no doubt they will carry weight. If legislation is approved by two-thirds of state lawmakers next year, it would head to a state-wide referendum in November 2016.