Georgia lawmakers are looking into the possibility of expanding gambling laws. As part of their effort, they are conducting gambling growth meetings across the state. Also, the first of the series of meetings took place in Valdosta.
During the Valdosta meeting, a House committee panel talked about how tax revenues from gambling can improve funding for the HOPE scholarship program. Representative Brett Harrell told sportsbook pay per head solution providers that they intended to get the opinion of citizens on expanding gambling in their communities.
Gambling expansion in Georgia requires a constitutional amendment. Also, two-thirds of the General Assembly needs to approve the bill before it goes into a referendum. State Senator Ellis Black said that detailed legislation with the constitutional amendment could help persuade voters.
Gambling Growth Meetings
By letting voters know about the changes in gambling laws, people might vote for the amendments. That’s why they are holding gambling meetings across the state. Committee members told bookie pay per head sites that they prefer integrated resorts that can employ a large number of employees.
The committee estimated that six casino resorts in the state would earn $1 billion in taxes. Valdosta and other smaller cities might not get the opportunity to host a casino. However, they might get the chance if lawmakers allow gambling halls across Georgia.
Having a casino in Valdosta can attract gamblers from Florida. At present, only pari-mutuel operators and American Indian tribes have casinos in the area. However, some lawmakers are skeptical about casino resorts in the state.
Representative Al Williams said that Georgia might not attract high-end casino operators in smaller gambling markets in the state. Most of the significant players will go to Atlanta. Also, lawmakers said they would create an independent commission to supervise the expanded gambling options, including sports betting. That is good news for people who want to start a bookie business in Georgia.